cross swords

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Example Sentences

The New Mitt, who has discarded his frontrunner Too-Bain-to-Deign strategy to cross swords more eagerly with his opponents.

From The Daily Beast

He was a servant and a lackey, and the punctilious gentlemen opposed to him were not inclined to cross swords with him.

From Project Gutenberg

Bold as he was of speech and bearing, he never ventured to cross swords with Mr. FitzJesse.

From Project Gutenberg

Neville crossed glances with the priest as men cross swords.

From Project Gutenberg

What kind of a woman could she be, this Shirley Green, to dare cross swords with a man whose power was felt in two hemispheres?

From Project Gutenberg

Let us now turn to Frontenac, who was soon to cross swords with Perrot of Montreal.

From Project Gutenberg