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provide an opening for attack

[prəˈvaɪd ən ˈoʊpənɪŋ fər əˈtæk]
verb phrase
dar abertura para ataque
1. To create or leave a vulnerable position that allows someone to attack, criticize, or take advantage
By making such an inconsistent statement, he provided an opening for attack from his opponents.
Ao fazer uma declaração tão inconsistente, ele deu abertura para ataque de seus oponentes.
2. To create a weakness or vulnerability in a defensive position, literally or figuratively
The general's poor positioning provided an opening for attack by the enemy forces.
O posicionamento inadequado do general deu abertura para ataque das forças inimigas.
NYC Slang
leave yourself open
Synonyms
leave oneself vulnerableexpose a weaknesscreate a weaknessgive someone an advantageleave an openinglay oneself open to criticism
Antonyms
defend oneselfprotect oneselfclose ranksfortify one's positioncover one's tracks

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
dar abertura para ataque
most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
deixar uma abertura para ataque
common alternative phrasing
Rio de Janeiro
facilitar o ataque
more colloquial variant
Portugal
criar uma abertura para ataque
European Portuguese preference for 'criar'

Related Idioms & Phrases

open the door for
leave oneself exposed
give someone ammunition
hand someone a stick to beat you with
paint a target on your back
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