duking it out
Fighting to settle
Duking it out means fighting or competing intensely, whether physically or figuratively.
The phrase evokes fists raised like a boxer's: The two candidates duked it out in the debate.
From *dukes* as slang for fists, probably from Cockney rhyming slang (Duke of Yorks = forks = fingers/fists).
- debatingFormal argumentative discourse
- war of wordsProlonged public argument
- boxingCombat sport using fists
- throwing handsEngaging in fisticuffs
- arguingVerbal conflict between parties
slugfest · brawling · coming to blows · wrestling · no holds barred · showdown · rivalry · settling scores · scuffle · disputing · fistfight · quarreling · duel · battle · clash · sparring · face-off · competition
duking it outtalking it out
Resolving issues verbally
mediating · coming to terms · arbitrating · making peace · finding common ground
duking it outwalking away
Departing on foot
backing down · retreating · letting it go · fleeing · disengaging
duking it outsurrendering
Ceasing to resist
giving up · throwing in the towel · conceding · capitulating · yielding