exposed flanks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exposed flanks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing vulnerable areas, often in military or strategic discussions, or metaphorically in other scenarios. Example: "The enemy's exposed flanks made it easier for our forces to launch a surprise attack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Later the rocks were heaved onto their side and raised up thousands of feet, whereupon rain began to flow down their exposed flanks.

The New York Times - Books

When employed as part of a combined military formation, its main duties included observing and reporting information about the enemy, screening movements of its own force, pursuing and demoralizing a defeated enemy, maintaining a constant threat to an enemy's rear area, striking suddenly at detected weak points, turning exposed flanks, and exploiting a penetration or breakthrough.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 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

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

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

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

Still the military presence remains strong by both Turks and Iranians, not least because both sides want to stabilize their mutually exposed flank across which they have invaded each other for many centuries.

Forbes

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

The Georgia brigade of Brigadier-General John B. Gordon was then directed for a frontal attack against Barlow's Knoll, pinning down the defenders, while the brigades of Brigadier-General Harry T. Hays and Colonel Isaac E. Avery swung around their exposed flank.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exposed flanks", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being exposed and what the potential consequences are. For example, "The poorly defended supply lines left the army's "exposed flanks" vulnerable to attack."

Common error

Avoid using "exposed flanks" too broadly. It's most effective when referring to specific vulnerabilities in a strategic or organizational context, not general weaknesses. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing less precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exposed flanks" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "exposed" modifies "flanks". It typically identifies a state of vulnerability or lack of protection. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing examples primarily in strategic or military contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

17%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exposed flanks" is a descriptive phrase primarily used to denote a vulnerable area within a military or strategic formation. While grammatically correct and often used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific texts, according to Ludwig it appears to be relatively uncommon overall. The phrase serves to warn about or highlight a tactical weakness. When using "exposed flanks", clarity and specificity are key to effectively convey the nature and implications of the vulnerability being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulnerable flanks

Replaces "exposed" with "vulnerable", emphasizing the susceptibility to harm.

unprotected flanks

Substitutes "exposed" with "unprotected", highlighting the lack of defense.

open flanks

Replaces "exposed" with "open", suggesting a lack of concealment or defense.

unguarded flanks

Emphasizes the absence of guards or protection on the flanks.

susceptible flanks

Replaces "exposed" with "susceptible", indicating a tendency to be affected by attacks.

uncovered flanks

Indicates a lack of cover or concealment on the flanks.

unshielded flanks

Uses "unshielded" to convey a lack of protection or cover.

unsecured flanks

Highlights that the flanks have not been made safe or secure.

undefended sides

Uses "sides" instead of "flanks", making it less specific to military contexts, and "undefended" instead of "exposed".

weakened flanks

Emphasizes that the flanks have been weakened, implying a reduction in defensive capability.

FAQs

How can I use "exposed flanks" in a sentence?

The phrase "exposed flanks" typically describes a vulnerable area in a military or strategic formation. For example: "The general worried that the rapid advance had left their "exposed flanks" open to enemy attack."

What does "exposed flanks" mean in a military context?

In military terms, "exposed flanks" refers to the sides of a formation that are vulnerable to attack because they are not adequately protected or supported. It's a critical tactical consideration.

Are there less formal alternatives to "exposed flanks"?

While "exposed flanks" is relatively formal, you could use phrases like "vulnerable sides" or "unprotected edges" in less formal contexts, depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

How does "exposed flanks" differ from "weak points"?

"Exposed flanks" specifically refers to the sides of a formation, highlighting a positional vulnerability. "Weak points", on the other hand, is a more general term that can refer to any area of vulnerability, not necessarily related to a side or edge.