cross swords
Engage in conflict
To cross swords with someone is to engage in conflict or disagreement, typically verbal rather than physical.
The expression derives from sword fighting, where opponents' blades meet and clash.
The two senators have crossed swords many times over immigration policy.
It suggests an adversarial encounter between parties of roughly equal standing, not a one-sided attack.
clash
Violent disagreement or collision
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- argueVerbally oppose another's view
- debateFormal argument on issues
quarrel · confront · oppose · contend · disagree · spar · bicker · wrangle · feud · contest
duel
Prearranged one-on-one combat
- fenceBoundary structure between properties
- battleArmed military engagement
- fightPhysical or verbal conflict
skirmish · engage · joust · parry · thrust · swordfight · bout · encounter · combat · challenge
- disagreementsdisagree, argue, dispute, quarrel, argument
- conflictclash, fight, war, battle, dispute
- conflictsargument, fight, war, battle, dispute
- combat drillsbayonet charge, combat stance, military drill, precision drill, basic training
- Duelingduel, duels, dueling, duelist, pistols at dawn
cross swordsmake peace
Resolve conflict between parties
bury the hatchet · agree · harmonize · cooperate · unite
cross swordskeep the peace
Prevent discord or conflict
back down · stand down · walk away · disengage · turn the other cheek
cross, sword, crossing, crossed, crosses, swords, crisscross, crosswalk, crossover