Warnings of an enemy attack forced the troops onto the defensive.

敌军显示出进攻的迹象，部队不得不进入戒备状态。

《牛津词典》

They do not actively seek out humanprey, but are very defensive and will attack when provoked.

它们并不倾向主动攻击人类，但有很强的防御意识，一旦被激怒就会发动攻击。

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During the five-day period we are going to prepare our tactics and strategies and we will decide whether we are going to be more on the attack or more on the defensive.

在为期五天的休整期间，我们会制定战略战术，确定是偏重攻击还是偏重防守。

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"Capello likes his players to understand their defensive positions but when his teams attack he wants them to have their own ideas as well, " the German said.

BBC: How Capello's England will look

Clermont tried to launch a counter-attack with a long defensive pass but the ball was stolen by Abraham, allowing Kiel to trot in and touch down in the corner.

BBC: Clermont Auvergne 15-32 Sale

Now, Republicans are on the defensive about Social Security and unwilling to attack it.

ECONOMIST: The revolution, phase two | The