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na defensiva

on the defensive

→ na
phrase Rare #35,948
on the defensive Describes someone who is reacting defensively or trying to protect themselves from criticism or attack.
PO: Ela ficou na defensiva quando fiz a pergunta.
EN: She got defensive when I asked the question.

O governo está na defensiva.

The government is on the defensive.

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)

Jogue na defensiva.

Play it safe.

— Dangal (2016)

Cansei de jogar na defensiva.

I'm tired of playing defensively.

— O Sobrevivente (2025)

E ficar na defensiva?

And getting defensive?

— Wicked (2024)