sparring partner

[spahr-ing pahrt-ner]

noun

1. a boxer who spars with and otherwise serves to train a boxer who is preparing for a bout.

2. a person who serves to sharpen and expand one’s thinking through frequent friendly debate.

   This provocative political writer was the frequent sparring partner of a popular talk show host on TV.

sparring partner

/ ˈspɑːrɪŋ /

noun

1. a person who practises with a boxer during training

2. a person with whom one has friendly arguments

Word History and Origins

Origin of sparring partner¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Idioms and Phrases

An individual with whom one enjoys arguing, as in Jim's my best sparring partner. This expression alludes to boxing, where since about 1900 it has denoted the person one practices or trains with. [Mid-1900s] Also see spar with.