battle (redirected from battles it out)

an uphill battle/fight/struggle

if something you are trying to do is an uphill struggle, it is very difficult, often because other people are causing problems for you. Environmentalists face an uphill struggle convincing people to use their cars less. We're trying to expand our business, but it's an uphill battle.

See also: fight

the battle lines are drawn

something that you say when two arguing groups have discovered exactly what they disagree about, and are ready to fight each other. The battle lines are drawn for the leadership contest.

See also: drawn, line

the battle of the sexes

the disagreements and fight for power that exist between men and women. So has equality brought an end to the battle of the sexes?

See also: sex

a battle of wills

a situation in which there are two competing people or groups, and both sides are equally determined to get what they want. I'm sure there was some point to the original dispute but it's become a battle of wills over the months.

a battle of wits

a situation in which two people or groups try to defeat each other by using their intelligence. It appears that the battle of wits between the two negotiating teams is set to continue for some time. (often + between)

See also: wit

a battle/war of nerves

a situation in which two competing groups of people try to defeat each other by frightening and threatening each other without taking action. This has become a battle of nerves with neither side seeming willing to back down.

See also: nerve, war

be half the battle (won)

to be the most difficult part of a process so that once you have completed this part, you have almost succeeded. When you're training a dog, getting it to trust you is half the battle.

See also: half

fight a losing battle

to try hard to do something when there is no chance that you will succeed. We try our best to cope with the workload but we're fighting a losing battle. (usually in continuous tenses)

See also: fight

a pitched battle

an angry fight or argument. There was a pitched battle between police and rioters.

See also: pitch

a running battle

if you have a running battle with someone, you have an argument that continues over a long period of time. I've had a running battle with the neighbours over their kids throwing stones over the fence. (often + with)

See also: running

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do battle (with something)

to compete or argue with someone. We plan to teach groups that normally do battle with each other to cooperate. Jessie liked to do battle with her brother.

draw (the) battle lines

to clearly show the differences between two ideas or opinions. Churches generally draw battle lines over moral issues.

Usage notes: often used in the form the battle lines are drawn: The battle lines are being drawn between many patients and their health-care providers.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of battle lines (= the positions of two armies prepared to fight)

See also: draw, line

fight a losing battle

to try hard but fail. For years it seems we have been fighting a losing battle against poverty and hunger. In an old house, you're always fighting a losing battle with dust and dirt.

Usage notes: sometimes used without fight: Many teachers feel they are in a losing battle for learning and order.

See also: fight

half the battle

a part of the effort or work needed. With so many search engines on the Web, deciding which is the best one is half the battle. Half the battle was simply convincing my mother that she couldn't be alone any more.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form half the battle is won: If you know where to look for the information, half the battle is won.

See also: half

a running battle (with someone/something)

an argument or fight that continues for a long time. Flynn has fought a running battle with the tobacco company over its advertisements.

See also: running