Meaning & use
attack on all sides
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
A situation in which someone or something is criticized or opposed by many different people or groups at the same time.
Grammar: Often used after 'come under' or 'be under': The plan came under attack on all sides.
Patterns
- come under attack on all sides
- be under attack on all sides
- an attack on all sides
After the new policy was announced, the mayor came under attack on all sides.
The company's decision to close the factory was an attack on all sides from workers, customers, and politicians.
Common combinations
- come under attack on all sides
- The proposal came under attack on all sides during the meeting.
- be under attack on all sides
- The minister is under attack on all sides for his handling of the crisis.
- an attack on all sides
- The report was seen as an attack on all sides of the government.
Synonyms and how they differ
- under fire from all sides
- Similar meaning, but 'under fire' often suggests stronger, more aggressive criticism.
- besieged
- More formal and dramatic; it suggests being surrounded by problems or critics.
Commonly confused: attack on all sides or attacks from all sides?
attack on all sides vs attacks from all sides
This phrase focuses on the attackers coming from different directions, while 'attack on all sides' focuses on being criticized by many people.
Practice
The senator came under ______ after voting against the popular bill.
Choose one answer.
'Attack on all sides' is the fixed phrase meaning criticized by many people. 'Attack from all sides' would mean physical attackers coming from different directions.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “attack on all sides”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.