flank
B2Formal to Neutral; common in military, geographical, and anatomical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The side of something, especially an animal's body, a military formation, or a mountain.
To be positioned at or to attack the side of something. Can also metaphorically refer to being supported or bordered by something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it often implies a vulnerable or strategic side. As a verb, it implies a tactical maneuver.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Minor difference: in some UK military contexts, 'flank' might be heard slightly more often as a verb for manoeuvring, whereas US usage is equally balanced.
Connotations
Identical connotations of tactical positioning or vulnerability.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American media due to greater volume of military-themed content.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Noun] flanked by [Noun][Noun] flanked [Noun]to flank [Noun] on the [left/right]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Flank speed (nautical: maximum speed)”
- “Outflank (to gain a tactical advantage)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'Our new strategy outflanks the competition.'
Academic
Common in history (military), geography, and anatomy. 'The glacier's eastern flank is receding.'
Everyday
Limited to specific contexts like cooking ('flank steak') or describing pain/location. 'I have a pain in my flank.'
Technical
Core term in military science, anatomy (body region between ribs and hip), and geology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The cavalry regiment was ordered to flank the enemy's position.
- The garden path is flanked by rose bushes.
American English
- The quarterback was flanked by two wide receivers.
- Tall skyscrapers flank the central plaza.
adverb
British English
- The ship proceeded flank speed to reach port.
American English
- The runner passed him flank, taking the inside track.
adjective
British English
- The flank wall of the barn needed repair.
- They launched a flank assault at dawn.
American English
- The flank position was dangerously exposed.
- He ordered a flank manoeuvre.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog had a white patch on its left flank.
- The mountain's flank was very steep.
- The soldiers protected the army's right flank.
- She felt a sharp pain in her flank.
- The general decided to flank the enemy forces by moving through the forest.
- The historic avenue is flanked by ancient oak trees.
- The new policy was designed to outflank the opposition's arguments before they were fully formed.
- Erosion on the volcano's southern flank poses a significant risk to the villages below.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TANK on its SIDE – its FLANK is exposed.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIDES ARE VULNERABLE/WEAK POINTS; STRATEGY IS MOVEMENT IN SPACE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'фланг' (воен.) – это корректно, но английское слово шире (анатомия, география).
- Не переводить 'flank steak' как 'стейк из бока' – это конкретный кусок мяса ('стейк из пашины').
- 'Flank pain' – это боль в боку (область поясницы), не просто 'боковая боль'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'flank' to mean the front or back of something. *'He stood at the flank of the room' (incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'flank'/'flanc'.
- Overusing as a general synonym for 'side' in non-strategic/positional contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'flank' LEAST likely be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, primarily in anatomical context ('flank pain') or metaphorically ('bodyguards flanked the dignitary').
'Flank' is more specific, often implying a strategic, vulnerable, or lateral aspect of a body, formation, or mass. 'Side' is general and more common.
Yes, commonly meaning 'to be situated on each side of' or 'to go around the side of (an enemy).'
A specific, lean cut of beef from the abdominal muscles of the cow, known for its strong grain.