noun
being on the defensive; defensive posture
Originally a swordsmanship term for receiving an opponent's strike; now used broadly for being forced into a passive or defensive position in arguments, negotiations, or competition.
彼の厳しい質問に、私はすっかり受け太刀になってしまった。
Faced with his tough questions, I was completely on the defensive.
議論では受け太刀に回らず、積極的に意見を言うことが大切だ。
In a discussion, it's important not to stay on the defensive but to actively express your opinions.
防戦 emphasizes the act of fighting defensively, while 受け太刀 focuses on the passive state of receiving attacks or criticism.
Compound of 受け (uke, 'receiving') and 太刀 (tachi, 'long sword'), referring to the act of parrying or receiving an opponent's sword strike. The figurative sense developed from this martial context.