an act of war

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an act of war

1. A violent action that could initiate large-scale fighting. If we invade that country, it will be an act of war. Sir, if we keep amassing troops along their border, it could be seen as an act of war. This bombing attack was an act of war and we vow to avenge our fallen citizens!
2. By extension, any unwelcome action that elicits an angry response. You played my video games when I wasn't home? Oh, that's an act of war, little brother! Can't you read the sign on my bedroom door? If you come in here without my permission, it's an act of war! You know how Al is—take anything of his out of the communal refrigerator, even by mistake, and it's seen as an act of war.
See also: act, an, of, war
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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, an, of, war
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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References in periodicals archive ?
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Attack on terrorist camp not an act of war, but our right: defence experts
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War is not our option but the invader's
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and its followers as a grave infringement upon the sovereignty of our Republic, as an act of war violating peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the region and categorically reject the resolution," North Koreas foreign ministry said in a statement.
N. Korea calls latest sanctions 'an act of war'
and its followers as a grave infringement upon the sovereignty of our Republic and as an act of war violating peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the region," North Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement on North's official Korean Central News Agency on Sunday, (https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2017/12/24/north-korea-calls-latest-un-sanctions-an-act-of-war-vows-to-bolster-nuclear-program.html) the Star reported.
UN Sanctions Cuts Back North Korea's Dwindling Oil Allowance
Summary: TEHRAN (FNA)- North Korea's Foreign Ministry announced that Pyongyang considers the latest round of UN sanctions, which severely crippled its remaining imports and exports, to be an "act of war"
North Korea Denounces New UN Sanctions as An 'Act of War'
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Slap sanctions on Tehran for missile programme
Hezbollah called the move an act of war engineered by Saudi authorities, an accusation they denied.
Saudi Crown Prince calls Iran leader "new Hitler"
Qattan further expressed his frustration with Iran and its actions, elaborating; "Is it not an act of war to launch such missiles [ballistic] from Yemen on Riyadh?" "Saudi Arabia does not call for wars.
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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told the UK Foreign Secretary yesterday this "may be considered an act of war".
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It was act of war so support them THE report by Andy Richards on the Birmingham pub bombings once again shows the indifference of officialdom to the man and woman in the street.
It was act of war [...]; Get in touch - tell us what you think Email: letters@birminghammail.co.uk Twitter: @birminghammail Facebook: facebook.com/birminghammail Post: Birmingham Mail, Floor 6, Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, B24 9FF
ISLAMABAD -- Adviser for Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said unilateral revocation of Indus Water Treaty will be an act of war.
Unilateral revocation of Indus Water Treaty to be an act of war by India: Sartaj
Any act of war involving wanton destruction of life and property including environmental wealth is a crime against both God and humanity, which merits a firm and unequivocal condemnation.
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Summary: An act of war, or a crime against humanity?
Aftermath of Paris massacre: Let's seek justice not war
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