outflank
C1Formal, Military, Business Strategy
Definition
Meaning
To maneuver around the side of an opponent, especially a military formation, in order to attack from a more advantageous position.
To gain an advantage over a competitor or opponent by using superior strategy, positioning, or unexpected methods.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a military term that has been metaphorically extended to competitive contexts like business, politics, and sports. Implies cleverness and strategic superiority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in British military and historical writing.
Connotations
Both varieties retain strong military connotations. In business contexts, it suggests aggressive, smart competition.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both dialects, used primarily in specialized contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] outflanked [Object][Subject] was outflanked by [Agent][Subject] tried to outflank [Object] on the [left/right]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To turn someone's flank”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe a strategic move that bypasses a competitor's strengths. 'The startup outflanked the industry giant by focusing on a niche market they had ignored.'
Academic
Common in historical and political science texts analysing military or strategic advantage.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used metaphorically in competitive games or sports commentary.
Technical
Core term in military science and tactical doctrine.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The cavalry regiment sought to outflank the entrenched infantry.
- In the boardroom, she constantly outflanked her rivals with clever proposals.
American English
- The general planned to outflank the enemy forces before dawn.
- The company outflanked its competitors by launching a direct-to-consumer model.
adverb
British English
- The troops moved outflankingly through the forest. (Rare, awkward)
American English
- (Rarely used as an adverb; 'in an outflanking manner' is preferred)
adjective
British English
- The outflanking manoeuvre was executed with precision.
- They faced an outflanking movement from the south.
American English
- An outflanking strategy proved decisive in the campaign.
- The outflanking action caught the management team completely by surprise.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The army tried to go around the enemy's side.
- Our football team got past their defence on the wing.
- The general ordered his units to outflank the opposing army's left wing.
- The new policy was designed to outflank the political opposition on the issue of healthcare.
- By acquiring that key supplier, they effectively outflanked their main competitor's entire logistics chain.
- The lawyer's unexpected procedural motion outflanked the prosecution's carefully prepared case.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FLANK of meat – the side. To OUT-FLANK is to go around the SIDE of your opponent.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS WARFARE / STRATEGIC POSITIONING IS SPATIAL MANEUVERING
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'обойти с фланга' in non-military contexts; it sounds overly literal. In business/politics, use 'переиграть', 'обыграть' or 'обойти конкурента'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'outflank' for simple 'defeat' without the connotation of strategic maneuvering. Confusing with 'outrank'. Incorrect: 'Our team outflanked theirs by scoring more points.' (unless a specific tactical bypass occurred).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'outflank' MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its origin and core meaning are military, it is widely used metaphorically in business, politics, sports, and any competitive scenario where strategic positioning is key.
'Outflank' is more specific, implying a literal or figurative movement around the *side* of an opponent to gain positional advantage. 'Outmaneuver' is broader, meaning to use superior tactics or movement to gain any kind of advantage.
Very rarely. Its essence is competitive advantage through positioning. A neutral use like 'the path outflanks the lake' is unusual and would typically be phrased as 'the path goes around the lake.'
The direct noun is 'outflanking' (gerund). The related noun describing the action or instance is 'outflankment', though it is rare. The concept is often expressed with 'flanking maneuver' or simply 'flank'.