cross swords


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.

Words Nearby cross swords

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

How to use cross swords in a sentence

  • The New Mitt, who has discarded his frontrunner Too-Bain-to-Deign strategy to cross swords more eagerly with his opponents.

  • He was a servant and a lackey, and the punctilious gentlemen opposed to him were not inclined to cross swords with him.

    The Light That Lures | Percy Brebner
  • Bold as he was of speech and bearing, he never ventured to cross swords with Mr. FitzJesse.

    Mount Royal, Volume 3 of 3 | Mary Elizabeth Braddon
  • Neville crossed glances with the priest as men cross swords.

    Sir Christopher | Maud Wilder Goodwin
  • What kind of a woman could she be, this Shirley Green, to dare cross swords with a man whose power was felt in two hemispheres?

    The Lion and The Mouse | Charles Klein