a running battle

A prolonged argument or disagreement. When those two are in a running battle, it's hard to get them to finally reconcile.

a running battle

COMMON A running battle with someone is an argument or fight that you have over a long period of time. The government's running battle with the media took a significant new turn yesterday. Note: You can also say that someone has or fights a running battle with or against someone. `For the last four years I've fought a running battle against vandals and thieves,' Mr Hearsum said.