take the defensive take the defensive {v. phr.} To make oneself the defending party. Contrast: TAKE THE OFFENSIVE. Categories: add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 » In RussianTo section: T Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Add my comment