draw (the) battle lines

draw (the) battle lines

To clearly distinguish the sides of an argument or conflict and become ready to argue, battle, etc. The union and management seem to have drawn the battle lines in this nasty contract dispute.
See also: battle, draw, line
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • the battle lines are drawn
  • a pitched battle
  • pitched battle
  • pitched battle, a
  • do battle
  • do/join battle
  • running battle
  • a running battle
  • battle of the bulge
  • bulge