thrust and parry

thrust and parry

Fig. to enter into verbal combat [with someone]; to compete actively [with someone]. (Fig. on the sport of fencing.) I spent the entire afternoon thrusting and parrying with a committee of so-called experts in the field of insurance. I do not intend to stand here and thrust and parry with you over a simple matter like this. Let's get someone else's opinion.

See also: and, thrust