at sword's point
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Also, at swords' points. Antagonistic, hostile, as in Father and son were at swords' points. Dating from the days when swords were used to settle quarrels, the idiom today generally signifies only a bitter quarrel.
QUIZ
TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS
Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”
Question 1 of 7
What does "dignity" mean?
Words nearby at sword's point
at someone's heels, at someone's mercy, at someone's request, at someone's service, at stake, at sword's point, att., attaboy, attacca, attach, attaché
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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