spar with
spar with (one)
1. Literally, to practice against or train with one, as in boxing. I love sparring with Tom, but I've become too familiar with his personal habits in the ring, so I need to find someone new. Each time we blow the whistle, everyone in the inner circle will move to the left so you can spar with a new opponent.
2. To debate, argue, or quibble with someone (about something). Even though he was an incredibly frustrating guy, I have to admit that I'll miss sparring with him in class each week. The two candidates will spar with one another during a televised debate this coming Saturday.
See also: spar
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
spar with someone
1. Lit. to box with someone for practice. The champ needs someone to spar with every day. Ted was sparring with his brother when the phone rang and saved him from further exertion.
2. Fig. to argue or quibble with someone. I think you really enjoy sparring with people just to irritate them. stop sparring with me! I am not here to argue.
See also: spar
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
spar with
Argue or debate with, as in You'd never know they were happily married, because they're constantly sparring with each other . [Early 1600s]
See also: spar
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- spar
- spar with (one)
- sparring partner
- a sparring partner
- literally
- balance the books
- bad habits die hard
- (one) must have killed a Chinaman
- beat the hell out of
- beat the tar out of (one)