an exposed flank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exposed flank" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as military strategy, sports, or metaphorically to describe vulnerability or weakness. Example: "The enemy took advantage of our formation, exploiting an exposed flank to launch their attack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

At a time when blasting the mainstream media has become more mainstream than ever — thanks to the president-elect's Twitter account — Fox News now has an exposed flank in its prime-time hours.

The Washington Post

As Gen. Alexander pointed out, we don't want to go to war with an exposed flank.

HuffPost

On October 3 4 he made a personal reconnaissance on the left flank of his division through heavy shell fire and continual sniping and gained information which enabled him to well place his battalion and cover an exposed flank.

Wikipedia

However, on Graham's strenuous objections to vacating a position that would result in both an exposed flank and rear, a force of five Spanish battalions and Browne's battalion was left to hold the Barrosa Ridge.

Wikipedia

The Labour leader's remarks came amid fears among ministers that the cuts could leave an "exposed flank".

The Guardian

But there are fears in Whitehall that the Home Office plan to make savings in the police service could leave an "exposed flank" in any future riots.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Put to the side for the moment the fact that dropping Williams into MSNBCville opens a freshly exposed flank for a news operation that already has too many of them. 1) MSNBC's prime-timers refuse to yield airtime to a proven embellisher.

The Washington Post

Beyond a cobbled yard from the glass-walled pavilion stands another existing warehouse structure, now sliced in half and clad with mirror-polished steel along its newly exposed flank, which contains a cinema where a new Roman Polanski commission is currently being screened.

The Guardian - Arts

The exposed flank skin was irradiated within a Faxitron (CP160, Faxitron X-Ray Corp., Wheeling, IL, USA) 0.11 m from the 160 kVp x-ray source for 2.5 min with 6.3 mA, delivering 40 Gy to 4 cm of skin surface area (a total of the top and bottom surfaces of exposed skin).

BMC Cancer

Musical scores hung framed on the gallery walls and their expression markings — "Feigned withdrawal: moderato"; "Exposed flank: spirito" — inscribed the spare music with an additional martial resonance, making every bass hit sound like an exploding land mine.

The New Yorker

For they imagined that they were about to be surrounded on their exposed flank by the single men who ran forward from their ranks; and they thought it their duty to keep their ranks, and not to quit their colors, nor, without good reason to give up the post which they had taken.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an exposed flank" in writing, consider your audience and the context. While appropriate in military or strategic discussions, it may need to be adapted or replaced with a more accessible term in general writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an exposed flank" in situations where the vulnerability isn't strategic or tactical. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound forced or unnatural. Instead, opt for more general terms like "vulnerability" or "weakness" when describing personal or emotional situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exposed flank" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject complement within a sentence. It identifies a specific area or position that is vulnerable, often in a strategic or metaphorical sense, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

30%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an exposed flank" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that refers to a vulnerable point or area. While not extremely common, according to Ludwig, it appears in a variety of contexts, from military strategy and political analysis to scientific and technical discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for use in written English. Consider using alternative phrases like "a vulnerable point" or "an unprotected side" for broader appeal. When using "an exposed flank", ensure that the context is appropriate and that the audience understands the strategic or tactical implications of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vulnerable point

Focuses on the vulnerability rather than the specific imagery of a flank.

an unprotected side

Emphasizes the lack of protection, removing the military connotation.

a weak spot

Highlights a general area of weakness without specifying a location.

a susceptible area

Implies a higher likelihood of being affected or harmed.

a chink in the armor

Uses a different metaphor to convey a point of vulnerability.

a soft underbelly

Suggests a hidden or less obvious vulnerability.

an undefended position

Stresses the lack of defense at a particular location.

a strategic vulnerability

Highlights the strategic implications of the weakness.

a point of weakness

A more generic term for an area lacking strength or resilience.

an Achilles' heel

Alludes to a single, critical vulnerability that can lead to downfall.

FAQs

How can "an exposed flank" be used in a sentence?

You can use "an exposed flank" to describe a vulnerability or weakness in a strategic position, like in military strategy or business. For example: "The company's rapid expansion left "an exposed flank" in its supply chain."

What are some alternatives to "an exposed flank"?

Alternatives to "an exposed flank" include phrases like "a vulnerable point", "an unprotected side", or "a weak spot", depending on the context.

Is "an exposed flank" a formal or informal expression?

"An exposed flank" leans towards a more formal register, especially when used in strategic or analytical contexts. In casual conversation, it might be more natural to use simpler terms like "vulnerability" or "weakness".

What does it mean to leave a flank exposed?

To leave "a flank exposed" means to leave a side or area vulnerable to attack or exploitation. It often implies a lack of protection or strategic oversight.