do battle
Engage in combat
To do battle is to engage in fighting or conflict, whether literal combat or figurative struggle.
The phrase sounds slightly formal or literary compared to simply saying fight: The armies did battle on the frozen plain.
It extends naturally to competitive or adversarial contexts: She did battle with the insurance company for months.
- fightPhysical or verbal conflict
- combatArmed hostile engagement
- engageActively participate or connect
- brawlDisorderly group fight
- throw downChallenge to a fight
clash · contend · duel · grapple · warrior · cross swords · confrontation · sword · lock horns · skirmish · wage war · struggle · fight back · stand your ground · duke it out · persevere · come to blows · polemic
do battlesurrender
Cease resistance, yield
capitulate · lay down arms · retreat · yield · submit
do battlemake peace
Resolve conflict between parties
reconcile · cooperate · bury the hatchet · collaborate · negotiate
do battlecooperate
Work jointly with others
collaborate · join forces · work together · unite · make common cause
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