flank

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Formal

n. the right or left side of a group of soldiers or a sports team.

n. the extreme left or right edge of a military formation, army, or sports field.

“The fast runner moved down the left flank to cross the ball into the box.”

“The general ordered a surprise attack on the enemy's weakened eastern flank to break their defensive line.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Cooking

n. a cut of beef from the side of the cow, often used for grilling.

n. a specific cut of meat from the abdominal muscles of an animal, typically lean and fibrous.

“We marinated the flank steak for three hours before putting it on the grill.”

“Because flank is a relatively tough cut of meat, it should be sliced thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to be positioned on one or both sides of something or someone.

v. to be situated at the side of; in the passive, to be bordered on either side.

“Two tall stone towers flank the entrance to the castle.”

“The president walked toward the podium, flanked by security guards and senior advisors.”

C1 · Advanced Law Formal

v. to move around the side of an enemy to attack them from a weaker spot.

v. to maneuver around the side of an opposing force so as to outflank or bypass their frontal defenses.

“The soldiers tried to flank the enemy instead of attacking from the front.”

“By successfully flanking the opposing battalion, the troops were able to seize the hilltop without a direct confrontation.”

C2 · Proficiency American English · Technical

adj. the fastest speed a ship can go, usually used in an emergency.

adj. referring to the maximum possible speed of a vessel, exceeding 'full speed'.

“The captain ordered flank speed to reach the sinking boat as fast as possible.”

“The destroyer maintained flank speed for several hours during the pursuit, testing the limits of its propulsion system endurance.”