war

All's fair in love and war.

Prov. Cliché In some situations, such as when you are in love or waging war, you are allowed to be deceitful in order to get what you want. (Often said as an excuse for deception.) I cheated on the entrance exam, but I really want to get into that school, and all's fair in love and war. To get Judy to go out with him, Bob lied and told her that her boyfriend was seeing another woman. All's fair in love and war.

See also: and, fair, love

all-out war

total war, as opposed to limited military actions or threats of war. We are now concerned about all-out war in the Middle East. Threats of all-out war caused many tourists to leave the country immediately.

an act of war 

1. Lit. an international act of warlike violence for which war is considered a suitable response. To bomb a ship is an act of war.

2. Fig. any hostile act between two people. "You just broke my stereo!" yelled John. "That's an act of war!"

See also: act

Councils of war never fight.

Prov. A group of people charged with crucial decisions often cannot act decisively. We tried to convince the boss not to form a committee, but to decide himself. We knew that councils of war never fight.

See also: fight, never

declare war against someone or something and declare war on someone or something 

1. Lit. to formally announce that one will fight a war with someone or some country. A group of countries declared war against the aggressor.

2. . Fig. to announce a serious campaign against a type of person or a serious problem. The president declared war against crime and criminals. The pressure group declared war on waste.

See also: against, declare

go to war (over someone or something)

to wage a war over someone or something. (Often an exaggeration.) We aren't going to go to war over this, are we? Do you want to go to war over Sarah? Is she that important to you?

If you want peace, (you must) prepare for war.

Prov. If a country is well armed, its opponents will be less likely to attack it. Wilbur was always arguing with those of his friends who believed in disarmament. "Getting rid of our weapons won't promote peace," he would say. "If you want peace, you must prepare for war."

See also: if, prepare, want

make war (on someone or something)

1. Lit. to attack someone or something and start a war. The small country's generals made war on the United States, hoping for foreign aid when they lost the war.

2. Fig. to actively oppose someone or something. The police made war on violent street crime.

See also: make

war against someone or something

to fight against someone or something; to oppose someone or something. That country is always warring against its neighbors. Why do you want to war against the city council?

See also: against

war over someone or something

to fight about who is to get someone or something. Stop warring over Tom. He refuses to play on either team. There is no point in warring over the contract.

war with someone

to fight or dispute with someone. Ruth is always warring with someone, usually about something trivial. Please don't war with me!

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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: battle, nerve

a turf war  (American)

a fight or an argument to decide who controls an area or an activity The recent shootings in the city are part of a turf war between two competing gangs.

See also: turf

a war of words

a long argument between two people or groups (often + between ) The war of words between the two rivals for the presidency continues to dominate the news bulletins. (often + over ) The article describes the war of words over acid rain.

See a battle of nerves

See also: word

All's fair in love and war.

something that you say which means behaviour that is unpleasant or not fair is acceptable during an argument or competition We weren't cheating, we were just playing to win. Anyway, all's fair in love and war.

See also: and, fair, love

have been in the wars  (British & Australian humorous)

someone, especially a child, who has been in the wars, has been hurt You poor little boy, you have been in the wars!

See also: been, have