受うけ太刀だち

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.

• 彼かれの厳きびしい質しつ問もんに、私わたしはすっかり受うけ太刀だちになってしまった。

  Faced with his tough questions, I was completely on the defensive.

• 議ぎ論ろんでは受うけ太刀だちに回まわらず、積せっ極きょく的てきに意い見けんを言いうことが大たい切せつだ。

  In a discussion, it's important not to stay on the defensive but to actively express your opinions.