rearguard action

English

Etymology

rearguard +‎ action

Noun

rearguard action (plural rearguard actions)

1. (military) An offensive action by a rearguard.
2. (figuratively) A desperate attempt to forestall the inevitable.

   to fight a rearguard action

   • 1991, Peter R. Newman, “New English”, in Companion to Irish History, 1603–1921, Oxford: Facts On File, →ISBN, page 132:

     The New English came to control Ireland — their ultimate expression was the powerful ascendancy which enjoyed exclusive political power in the country for more than a century, and which fought a dogged rearguard action against diminution of its power during the nineteenth century.

Translations

offensive action by a rearguard

desperate attempt to forestall the inevitable

• Finnish: perääntymistaistelu

See also

• fight a losing battle