cross swords
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Related to cross swords: cross-purposes, cross path
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cross swords
To fight or argue. Danielle and I crossed swords over our different approaches to the experiment.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
cross swords (with someone)
Fig. to become the adversary of someone. Gloria loved an argument and was looking forward to crossing swords with Sally.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
cross swords
Fight, either verbally or physically. For example, At every policy meeting the two vice-presidents crossed swords. This phrase alludes to the ancient form of combat using swords. Also see at sword's point.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
cross swords
If you cross swords with someone, you disagree and argue with them or oppose them. Note: `Ploughshares' is spelled `plowshares' in American English. He repeatedly crossed swords with Mrs Gandhi in the early 1970s. Fowler and Booth had crossed swords on many occasions in the closing months of the Callaghan Labour government.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
cross swords
have an argument or dispute.Originally, this expression had the literal sense of ‘fight a duel’.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
cross ˈswords (with somebody)
have an argument (with somebody): At the committee meeting, I crossed swords with Professor Smith over her department’s overspending.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
cross swords
To quarrel or fight.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.