a war of words

war of words

A lengthy argument characterized by verbal exchanges. The union boss got into a war of words with management over the unfair treatment of the workers.
See also: of, war, word
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a war of words

JOURNALISM
COMMON A war of words is an argument between two people or groups, in which both sides criticize each other angrily. Both players are involved in a war of words in the press, each blaming the other for the situation. A war of words has blown up over who is to blame for a confrontation between police and fans outside the venue.
See also: of, war, word
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a war of words

a prolonged debate which is conducted by means of the spoken or printed word.
See also: of, war, word
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a ˌwar of ˈwords

a fierce argument or disagreement over a period of time between two or more people or groups: the political war of words over tax
See also: of, war, word
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • war of words
  • have an argument
  • have an argument (with someone)
  • level (something) against (someone or something)
  • have it out (with someone)
  • have it out with somebody
  • have it out with someone
  • slang
  • slanging match
  • a slanging match
References in periodicals archive
Summary: Ualsan: A war of words between the coaches of Iran and South Korea has spiced ...
Ualsan: A war of words between the coaches of Iran and South Korea has spiced things up between the Group A rivals as they bid to secure automatic qualifying spots for the 2014 World Cup.
South Korea-Iran game spiced up with verbal spats