What is the meaning of en guard?

I assume it is a phrase meaning "prepare thyself." Someone who says "En guard" must be talking to an opponent that he is about to attack. If the opponent isn't ready for an attack after the warning, then it isn't the attackers fault for being sneaky. It is considered a nicety to the opponent to say "En guard."

I guess it could also mean "you have an opening." It is a warning of a defensive breach on one's person.

This is only an opinion of what I think, so please correct or delete this accordingly.

Answer

ETA: Your opinion is wise and pretty close! First, though, it is actually spelled en garde in French. Literally, it translates to "in protection", as in a stance of protection.

In fencing, it is the name of the position fencers take prior to commencing a duel, and also at breaks within the fight. So in fencing, it's actually the name of a position, but in translation, it is very close to the prior answer.

It is used by the director (referee) to tell the fencers to assume the guard position prior to fencing. It also allows a fencer who is not ready to ask for extra time to fix their equipment.

First answer by ID1262488161. Last edit by Hidaka1223. Contributor trust: 1 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 18 [recommend question]