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

Because of their ubiquity, on the island and globally, foxes are a cute, however curious, choice over which to cross swords.

From Seattle Times

“The Defiant Ones” remained one of Mr. Poitier’s favorite films, but to get the part he had to cross swords with Samuel Goldwyn, who was assembling a cast for “Porgy and Bess.”

From New York Times

“They either had nothing to say or show on due diligence on forced labor, or they were unwilling because they won’t cross swords with Beijing,” said Bennett Freeman, a former State Department official who sent the emails to the I.O.C. on the coalition’s behalf.

From New York Times

At the age of 35, Ronaldo might not get too many more chances to cross swords with Messi.

From BBC

The kids exercise their active imaginations in the woods, where they pretend to shoot arrows and cross swords in combat.

From New York Times