Which one is right

Posted by Masakim on October 18, 2001

In Reply to: Which one is right posted by Rolly on October 18, 2001

: which one is right.

: 1. the best defense is a good offense
: 2. the best offense is a good defense

: and who was the originator of this phrase.

: thanks,

A Dictionary of American Proverbs gives two forms:
The best defense is a good offense.
A good offense is the best defense.

Make them believe, that offensive operations, often times, is the surest, if not the only ... means of defence. (George Washington, 1799)
The British People had always believed that the best form of defence was attack on the enemy. (_Times_, Nov 26, 1941)
"My old and very good friend, Jack Dempsey, has a saying which he has proved time and again in the ring. The best defense is a good offense." (Elia Kazan, _The Arrangement_, 1967)
He had learned -- at an early age -- that the best form of defense was offense. (Jackie Collins, _Hollywood Wives_, 1983)