attack is the best form of defence
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
In a battle or dispute, attacking the opposition first is better than waiting for them to attack.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “attack is the best form of defence” mean?
In a battle or dispute, attacking the opposition first is better than waiting for them to attack.
Is “attack is the best form of defence” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.