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direct assault

[/dəˈrɛkt əˈsɔlt/]
nounpl: direct assaults
assalto direto
1. A violent physical attack launched openly and straightforwardly against a person or position, without concealment or deception
The direct assault on the fortress lasted several hours.
O assalto direto à fortaleza durou várias horas.
2. A military or law enforcement action that confronts an enemy or target head-on
The police planned a direct assault on the criminal hideout.
A polícia planejou um assalto direto ao esconderijo dos criminosos.
3. A vigorous or forceful attack in criticism, argument, or competition
His direct assault on her credibility was unexpected.
Seu assalto direto à credibilidade dela foi inesperado.
Synonyms
frontal attackhead-on assaultopen attackviolent attackonslaught
Antonyms
indirect approachstealth attackambushwithdrawalretreat

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
assalto direto
Standard usage in military and legal contexts
São Paulo
assalto frontal
More common in journalistic and military contexts
Portugal
ataque direto
Preferred term in Portuguese media and official documents

Related Idioms & Phrases

take the direct approach
go on the offensive
launch an attack
frontal assault on something
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