break a lance

To engage in a competition, battle, or confrontation, usually with someone or something. The newly elected congresswoman broke a lance with the House of Representatives today on the issue of discrimination in business. The faction sought to break a lance with the government as a means of securing greater autonomy. I know this initiative is important to you, but do you really think it's a good idea to break a lance with the CEO?

lance the boil

To take a decisive and dramatic action that resolves or puts an end to a problematic, troublesome, or unpleasant situation. It's high time that we as citizens use the power of our vote to lance the boil of corruption in Washington! If we can't speak openly about employees being mistreated, we'll never be able to lance the boil for good.

lance through

1. To pierce someone or something with a very sharp, typically elongated object. You'll have to lance through the boil with a needle or something if you want the swelling to go down. The linebacker managed to lance through the offensive line and tackle the quarterback. The fish lanced through the water like a harpoon and leapt high into the air.

2. To spread through someone or something very rapidly and intensely. Sorrow lanced through his heart whenever he remembered the family and friends he'd had to leave behind. Pain lanced through my hand where the bee had stung me.

the tongue wounds more than a lance

Harsh words or insults can cause one more pain than physical blows. I know you're mad at Bob, but be careful what you say to him—you won't be able to take it back, and the tongue wounds more than a lance.

lance the boil

take decisive action to put an end to an undesirable situation.

The underlying image is of a boil being cut open with a lancet or other sharp surgical instrument, to release its pus.

2003 Yorkshire Post Today Mr Conway … said…it was time for Mr Duncan Smith to ‘lance the boil’ in his leadership. ‘There's a growing feeling of “it's got to end”.’

lance through

1. To pierce through something or someone: My spear lanced through the fish.

2. To permeate something or someone thoroughly and sharply: Pain lanced through the runner's body during the marathon.

See also: lance, through

See also:

References in periodicals archive

Lance Sergeant Sam Potts' wife, Bethany, plays in the Regimental Band of the Welsh Guards, based in London.

SOLDIER'S PRESTIGIOUS PRIZE FOR MUSICAL GIFTS

Lance has been a huge influence on my decision to pursue my nursing tohu--his drive and passion for the health of Maori is what intrigued me.

O'Sullivan inspires passion for nursing

"Before all this, Lance was always outgoing and loud, very cheeky, and he liked to work hard and play hard.

'He's like a baby in an adult body' Partner's heartbreaking battle to care for the man she loves after he was diagnosed with rare dementia

Lance and I have such a strong connection thatagain our honesty and openness is so important."

Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black to wed

But Lance collapsed in April and was admitted to ICU where doctors told him he had terminal cancer.

My husband died, we couldn't go on holiday. Isn't that reason enough to get our cash back? Mum's fury after travel firm delay cash refund

In 1962, Lance became the first Senior Master of Science (MSD) at Rose Bay High School.

Spritely centenarian attends CONASTA 65

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT Captain Philip Guy, Naval Rating Ian Seymour, Warrant Officer 2nd Class Mark Stratford (silhouette), Marine Sholto Hedenskog, Lance Bombardier Llywelyn Evans, Colour Sgt John Cecil, Major Jason Ward, Sergeant Les Hehir, Lt Philip Green, Lt Tony King, Lt James Williams, Lt Philip West, Lt Marc Lawrence, Lt Andrew Wilson, Flight Lt Kevin Main, Flight Lt Dave Williams (silhouette), Sapper Luke Allsopp, Staff Sergeant Simon Cullingworth, Sergeant Steven Roberts, Lance Corporal Barry Stephen.

Triangle of Death. triangle of Death

Four of the studies that provided data for this project give CPUE data for Sand Lance, but for most studies CPUE could not be calculated.

Nearshore distribution of Pacific Sand Lance (Ammodytes personatus) in the inland waters of Washington State

Lance Cpl Thornton is on board one of two 72ft yachts racing against each other as part of Exercise Transglobe 2015/16, which has brought together the Royal Navy, the Army and Royal Air Force to develop leadership, initiative and resilience in military personnel.

On the crest of a wave; Peter sets sail on world adventure from Lanzarote to Rio

WID Offiah defended Ben Flower's attack on Lance Hohaia.

He deserved a slap - Offiah

The lance weighs just 12 pounds with its standard 36-inch barrel.

NLB Corp

I'M HAVING THE RARE PRIVILLEGE OF WATCHING THE MIGHTY LANCE POWER GROVEL.

Kyle's bed and breakfast

I have a few comments to offer on Larry Belitz's article, Captured Crow Lance and Beaded Case in the last issue of Whispering Wind (42:4).

Crow Lance and Case

Twelve months ago Lance Gregory was stabbed through the chest with 12-inch kitchen knife in an attack that lasted just 23 seconds.

I found out my son had been killed on Facebook