come out swinging

English - English

Definition of come out swinging in English English dictionary

To initiate an encounter or interaction by behaving in an unrestrainedly aggressive, confrontational, or accusatory manner

So ingrained is the instinct for massive retaliation that Downing St. came out swinging before mastering the facts.

To display spunk and strength of character, especially when rising above or when fighting back against trouble or adversity

She'd endured cruelty and grief and still came out swinging.

Hyphenation

come out swing·ing

Turkish pronunciation

kʌm aut swîngîng

Pronunciation

/ˈkəm ˈout ˈswəɴɢəɴɢ/ /ˈkʌm ˈaʊt ˈswɪŋɪŋ/

Etymology

() An allusion to the behavior of a boxer who immediately begins a boxing match or a round of a match by aggressively throwing punches in an unrestrained manner.