rearguard action

English

Etymology

From rearguard +‎ action.

Noun

rearguard action (plural rearguard actions)

  1. (military) An offensive action by a rearguard.
  2. (figuratively) A desperate attempt to forestall the inevitable.
    to fight a rearguard action
    • 1991, Peter R. Newman, “New English”, in Companion to Irish History, 1603–1921, Oxford: Facts On File, →ISBN, page 132:
      The New English came to control Ireland — their ultimate expression was the powerful ascendancy which enjoyed exclusive political power in the country for more than a century, and which fought a dogged rearguard action against diminution of its power during the nineteenth century.

Translations

See also

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