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na defensiva

on the defensive

→ na
phrase Rare #35,035
on the defensive Used when someone is reacting in a guarded way or trying to protect themselves; can also describe a group or institution under pressure.
PO: Ela ficou na defensiva quando ouviu a pergunta.
EN: She got defensive when she heard the question.

Jogue na defensiva.

Play it safe.

— Dangal (2016)

O governo está na defensiva.

The government is on the defensive.

Cansei de jogar na defensiva.

I'm tired of playing defensively.

— O Sobrevivente (2025)

Você tem mais de dois pontos e você começou a jogar na defensiva.

You’re up by more than two points, and you started playing defensively.

— Dangal (2016)

Não fique na defensiva.

Don't be defensive.

— Laurence Anyways (2012)

E ficar na defensiva?

And getting defensive?

— Wicked (2024)