cross swords

Related to cross swords: cross-purposes, cross path

cross swords

To fight or argue. Danielle and I crossed swords over our different approaches to the experiment.
See also: cross, sword
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

cross swords (with someone)

Fig. to become the adversary of someone. Gloria loved an argument and was looking forward to crossing swords with Sally.
See also: cross, sword
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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.
See also: cross, sword
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

cross swords

If you cross swords with someone, you disagree and argue with them or oppose them. Note: `Ploughshares' is spelled `plowshares' in American English. He repeatedly crossed swords with Mrs Gandhi in the early 1970s. Fowler and Booth had crossed swords on many occasions in the closing months of the Callaghan Labour government.
See also: cross, sword
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

cross swords

have an argument or dispute.
Originally, this expression had the literal sense of ‘fight a duel’.
See also: cross, sword
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

cross ˈswords (with somebody)

have an argument (with somebody): At the committee meeting, I crossed swords with Professor Smith over her department’s overspending.
See also: cross, sword
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

cross swords

To quarrel or fight.
See also: cross, sword
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • on one's
  • on someone's
  • out of one's
  • (I've) got to go
  • save someone's skin
  • (Have you) been OK?
  • other than
  • other than (something)
  • pillow-biter
  • let something drop
References in periodicals archive
Nehwal will now cross swords with seventh-seed Nozomi Okuhara of Japan for a final berth.
World Badminton C'ships: Sindhu, Nehwal eye final berths
SUPER-COOL Kilcoo will cross swords with old adversaries Crossmaglen in the Ulster semi-final after a 19 point rout yesterday.
DOWN CHAMPS COO-ING
* 5 Which Liverpool-based drama does this synopsis describe: 'An ambitious council leader and a gentle school teacher cross swords against a backdrop of political subversion.' * 6 What was the name of Ruby Wax's character in Girls On Top?
SCREEN TEST
The winner contests today's Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud but Egerton (second), Schiaparelli (third), Expensive Dream (seventh) and Poseidon Adventure (eighth) all cross swords again.
Horse Racing: Arcadios chance to turn tables; PREVIEW: GERMANY
SVEN-GORANERIKSSON is preparing to cross swords once again with the man responsible for inflicting the most painful defeat on the Swede during his tenure as England head coach.
Football: EURO 2004: Eriksson has chance of revenge over Scolari
SLOVENIA will be looking to the Republic of Ireland for inspiration when they cross swords with South Africa tomday.
Football: World Cup 2002: South Africa v Slovenia
Now he is hoping to cross swords with his former team-mates in the European Cup.
RUGBY: DEL'S PARIS MATCH
CORAL made Harbinger 7-4 to beat stablemate Workforce (2-5) after it was confirmed he will cross swords with the Derby winner in next month's Ascot's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
Harbinger to feel the Force
New Delhi/ Amritsar, March 29 (ANI): Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and Communists cross swords over Varun Gandhi.
Political Parties cross swords over Varun Gandhi
By the end Federer looked a broken man and he could have trouble forgetting such a demoralising defeat if the pair cross swords in the final at the All England Club - an eventuality Ladbrokes make just 3-1.
Lawn Tennis: Clay king Nadal cut for Wimbledon