flank

The side of a person’s or animal’s body between the lower ribs and the hip.

• The horse had a cut on its flank.
• She felt a sharp pain in her right flank.
• The dog’s flanks moved as it breathed.

Similar words: side

Common phrases: left flank, horse flank

A group within a political party that shares particular beliefs.

• The party’s right flank rejected the plan.
• She won support from the liberal flank of her party.
• Both flanks demanded changes to the policy.

How to use it: the flank of a party (The left flank of the party opposed the deal.)

Similar words: wing, faction

Common phrases: right flank, left flank

One of the pockets at the back of a pair of trousers.

• He put the coin in his flank.
• My wallet was tucked into my left flank.
• She checked both flanks for the missing keys.

Similar words: back pocket

Common phrases: right flank, left flank

To attack an enemy from the side.

• The soldiers tried to flank the enemy.
• A second unit flanked their position from the east.
• Can we flank them before they retreat?

Common phrases: flank the enemy, flank enemy troops

At the highest speed a ship can reach.

• The captain ordered flank speed.
• The ship continued at flank speed for ten minutes.
• Both engines were running at flank speed.

Similar words: maximum

Common phrases: flank speed, ahead flank