守まもりに入はいる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

go on the defensive; play it safe

Used when someone shifts from an active or aggressive stance to a cautious, protective one, often in sports, business, or personal interactions.

• 試し合あいの後こう半はん、相あい手てチームは守まもりに入はいった。

  In the second half, the opposing team went on the defensive.

• 彼かれは失しっ敗ぱいを恐おそれて、新あたらしいことに挑ちょう戦せんせず守まもりに入はいっている。

  Afraid of failure, he's playing it safe and not trying new things.