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# strategic withdrawal

phrase (noun phrase; a strategic withdrawal)

«strategic withdrawal» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, official) a retreat by an army, made to sound planned and clever.
2. (humorous) leaving a difficult situation to avoid trouble.

### In the lessons

Used by armies and governments to avoid admitting defeat; jokingly in everyday life when someone runs away. Official and humorous, all regions.

### Examples

- The general called the retreat a strategic withdrawal.
- When the wasps came, we made a strategic withdrawal to the house.
- The army made a strategic withdrawal across the river.
- "That's not running away, it's a strategic withdrawal!" laughed my brother.
- Historians argue whether it was a strategic withdrawal or a defeat.
- The cat made a strategic withdrawal under the bed when the dog arrived.

### Note

Stands for "retreat". Sometimes truly a clever plan, sometimes hiding a defeat.