godan verb (-mu), transitive verb, intransitive verb
be at a loss how to continue an attack; be frustrated by a strong defense
Describes a situation where an offensive or aggressive effort stalls because the opponent's defense is too strong or the approach is not working. Often used in military, sports, or metaphorical contexts. The related form 攻めあぐねる is more common in modern usage.
See also: 攻めあぐねる
敵の守りが固くて攻めあぐんでいる。
The enemy's defense is so solid that we are at a loss how to continue the attack.
強豪チームに攻めあぐんで、なかなか点が取れない。
We are frustrated by the strong team's defense and can't seem to score.