crossing swords
In heated conflict
Crossing swords means engaging in conflict or dispute, from the image of two fighters with blades clashing.
The phrase usually describes verbal or professional confrontation rather than physical combat: She's crossed swords with the board before.
To cross swords with someone is to oppose them directly, often suggesting worthy adversaries rather than one-sided conflict.
- duelPrearranged one-on-one combat
- fightPhysical or verbal conflict
- combatArmed hostile engagement
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- battleArmed military engagement
contest · fencing · challenge · at loggerheads · quarrel · conflict · thrust · melee · rivalry · polemic · joust · parry · skirmish · come to blows · dispute · confrontation · locking horns · engagement
crossing swordscooperating
Working jointly toward goals
collaborating · joining forces · working together · making peace · uniting
crossing swordsbacking down
Withdrawing from a stance
keeping the peace · standing down · walking away · retreating · letting it go
crossing, cross, crossed, crosses, crosser, uncrossed, crisscross, crosswise, crossroad