How do you use "On the defensive" in a sentence?

After the scandal, the company has been on the defensive for weeks. I didn't mean to put you on the defensive — I was just asking a question. He gets really defensive whenever someone criticizes his cooking.

On the defensive

American Slang Term American ★★★★★ Very Common Neutral

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Significado: Reacting to attacks or criticism rather than taking initiative; being protective.

忙于应对攻击或批评，而非主动出击；处于防守状态。

Reaccionar ante ataques o críticas en vez de tomar la iniciativa; estar a la defensiva.

攻撃や批判に反応するばかりで、自ら主導権を取れない状態。身を守ろうとしていること。

공격이나 비판에 반응만 하며 주도권을 잡지 못하는 상태, 방어적인 태도를 취하는 것.

Being 'on the defensive' means reacting to criticism rather than proactively pursuing goals. It implies being under pressure and in a reactive position.

处于'on the defensive'状态意味着疲于应对批评，而无法主动追求目标。暗示承受压力、处于被动地位。

Estar «on the defensive» significa reaccionar ante las críticas en lugar de perseguir objetivos de forma proactiva. Implica estar bajo presión y en una posición reactiva.

「on the defensive」は、目標を積極的に追求するのではなく、批判に対して受け身で反応している状態。プレッシャーの下で守りに入っていることを意味する。

'On the defensive'는 비판에 대응만 하고 능동적으로 목표를 추구하지 못하는 상태를 말한다. 압박을 받으며 수동적인 입장에 있다는 뉘앙스다.

Ejemplos

After the scandal, the company has been on the defensive for weeks.
丑闻之后，公司已经被动防守了好几周。
Tras el escándalo, la empresa lleva semanas a la defensiva.
スキャンダルの後、会社は何週間も守りの姿勢に立たされている。
스캔들 이후, 회사는 몇 주째 수세에 몰려 있다.
I didn't mean to put you on the defensive — I was just asking a question.
我不是想让你产生防备心理——我只是问个问题而已。
No pretendía ponerte a la defensiva — solo estaba haciendo una pregunta.
責めるつもりはなかったんだ — ただ質問しただけだよ。
몰아붙이려는 건 아니었어 — 그냥 질문한 것뿐이야.
He gets really defensive whenever someone criticizes his cooking.
每当有人批评他的厨艺，他就变得非常防备。
Se pone muy a la defensiva cada vez que alguien critica su cocina.
彼は料理を批判されると、すごく防衛的になる。
그는 누가 자기 요리를 비판하면 굉장히 방어적이 된다.

Pronunciación

Guía de uso

Contexto: arguments, criticism, politics

Tono: pressured, reactive

✓ Correcto

Don't be so defensive — it's just feedback.
别这么防备——这只是反馈意见。
No te pongas tan a la defensiva — es solo una opinión.
そんなに防衛的にならないで — ただのフィードバックだよ。
그렇게 방어적이지 마 — 그냥 피드백일 뿐이야.
The team has been on the defensive all game.
这支队伍整场比赛都在被动防守。
El equipo ha estado a la defensiva todo el partido.
チームは試合中ずっと守りに回っている。
팀이 경기 내내 수비에만 급급했어.

✗ Incorrecto

Telling someone 'you're being defensive' usually makes them more defensive
告诉别人'你太防备了'通常只会让他们更加防备
Decirle a alguien «estás a la defensiva» suele hacer que se ponga aún más a la defensiva
「防衛的になってるよ」と指摘すると、大抵もっと防衛的になる
누군가에게 '방어적이다'라고 말하면 대개 더 방어적이 된다

Origen e historia

From military and sports strategy, where defensive positions are reactive rather than proactive.

Contexto cultural

Era: Mid-20th century general use

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

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