cat-and-mouse game

1. A situation characterized by two parties engaged in a constant back-and-forth routine in which the advantage alternates between them. It's been a real cat-and-mouse game between these two teams—we won't be sure of the victory until the very last moment! We expected the match to be a cat-and-mouse game, not a one-sided blowout! She's a tough, experienced opponent, so you need to be mentally prepared for a cat-and-mouse game when you face her.

2. A situation characterized by two parties engaged in a constant back-and-forth routine in which one party attempts to gain tactical advantage over or draw out of hiding the other, often only to be thwarted or eluded. Police have been playing a cat-and-mouse game with drug dealers in this area for years now. We've been hiding out here for days, and I can't handle this cat-and-mouse game any longer—I'm calling the police! The marshals and the fugitive have been engaged in a cat-and-mouse game for months, but they may finally have him cornered.