The nearest the modern general or admiral comes to a small-arms encounter of any sort is at a duck hunt in the company of corporation executives at the retreat of Continental Motors, Inc.
In politics... never retreat, never retract... never admit a mistake.
Woman begins by resisting a man's advances and ends by blocking his retreat.
Follow me if I advance, kill me if I retreat, avenge me if I die.
In politics, it seems, retreat is honorable if dictated by military considerations and shameful if even suggested for ethical reasons.
Christians take Scriptures out of context to try to justify or to vindicate retreat and cowardice.
I am in earnest - I will not equivocate - I will not excuse - I will not retreat a single inch - and I will be heard!
In the Soviet army it takes more courage to retreat than advance.