In military strategy, what does it mean to 'turn' an enemy flank?

Turning an enemy flank is a tactical maneuver in military strategy where forces aim to attack the side or rear of the enemy’s formation. This action seeks to gain a positional advantage by encircling enemy forces, catching them off guard and creating opportunities for a breakthrough. By executing this tactic, a commander can disrupt the enemy's defensive line and potentially lead to a more significant victory by isolating and defeating parts of their forces.

While withdrawing from combat, engaging directly, or advancing in a different direction can have strategic implications, none accurately reflect the specific action of turning a flank, which involves a focused effort to outmaneuver and flank the opponent. This tactic is often critical in battles, as it can lead to decisive outcomes by leveraging the element of surprise and exploiting weak points in the enemy's formation.