running battle

running battle

A prolonged argument or disagreement. When those two are in a running battle, it's hard to get them to finally reconcile.
See also: battle, running
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a running battle

COMMON A running battle with someone is an argument or fight that you have over a long period of time. The government's running battle with the media took a significant new turn yesterday. Note: You can also say that someone has or fights a running battle with or against someone. `For the last four years I've fought a running battle against vandals and thieves,' Mr Hearsum said.
See also: battle, running
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a running battle

a confrontation that has gone on for a long time.
Literally, a running battle is one that is constantly changing its location, the opposite of a pitched battle (see pitched). The expression running fight was used in the late 17th century to describe a naval engagement in which the fight was continued as one party retreated or fled. Running battle appears to have originated in the mid 20th century.
See also: battle, running
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a running ˈbattle

an argument, a dispute, etc. which continues over a long period of time: There’s been a running battle between John and his neighbour for years about their garden wall.
Running here means ‘continuing’.
See also: battle, running
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

running battle

An ongoing fight. The term originated in naval warfare in the late 1600s, when it signified a battle carried on while a vessel was retreating (running away). Later it was transferred and used figuratively, as in one of comedian Groucho Marx’s letters (1967) in which he wrote of a running battle with Warner Brothers. See also the quotation under at swords' points.
See also: battle, running
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • a running battle
  • pitched battle
  • pitched battle, a
  • a pitched battle
  • do battle
  • do/join battle
  • battle of the bulge
  • bulge
  • draw (the) battle lines
  • half the battle
References in classic literature
Bulan, notwithstanding the running battle the two bulls were forcing upon him, was gaining steadily upon the fleeing ourang outang that was handicapped by the weight of the fair captive he bore in his huge, hairy arms.
The Monster Men
Next, he had seen the running battle of the man, the horse, and the dog.
Michael Brother of Jerry
Loughborough College public services lecturer Anthony Louch said: "Our students acted as a violent crowd and attacked officers with a variety of missiles in an hour-long running battle.
Students 'attack police' in training; IN BRIEF
A running battle took place between a group of doormen and fans in Concert Square last November.
Five more arrested over mass brawl with football fans Men ahead; MEN HELD OVER VIOLENCE WHICH FLARED LAST YEAR AHEAD OF EVERTON'S ATALANTA MATCH
Police fired teargas but the running battle spread into side streets.
No mercy in hit on Brits
A GROUP of protestors engaged in a long running battle with travellers met with a Government minister.
View in context
Some supporters then ran on to the Easter Road turf and engaged in a running battle with police and stewards but the trouble was quickly quelled.
Fans chuck it after upset
The move is the latest in the running battle between oil companies and Venezuela, which has moved to assert control over the sector by seizing oil fields and drilling equipment over the past three years.
Plan to buy refinery share
However, Mijailovic, 24, has pleaded innocence, admitting he and McCarthy were involved in a running battle but denying any use of racist language.
Football: Serb denies Mac abuse
It was a physical game and a stricter referee than Belgium's Joeri Van De Velde would have dished out more than the one yellow, which was issued to Lillestrom forward Olivier Occean for a foul on Magpies skipper Scott Parker, with whom he had a running battle all match.
SPREADWISE: Oslo clash may prove fiery so buy bookings
Via telephone from London, Fry, discussed everything from his new film to his running battle with the Church of England over queer clergy.
Bright & brassy: legendary actor-author-wit Stephen Fry makes his screen directorial debut with Bright Young Things
E-mail marketing will gain in popularity but we will see a running battle between the marketers and the anti-spammers.
A look ahead at newsletter publishing in 2004
Hospitals fight a running battle against the microbes, which can withstand hot water and some disinfectants, says Gail H.
A new gap in the antibiotic arsenal
The Internal Revenue Service and taxpayers have been engaged in a running battle over points--deductions for amounts paid in connection with loans secured by a principal residence.
Deducting points
They're on the verge of securing a notable victory in their long running battle to ensure that the two doctors they know and respect stay in charge of the facility.
Good for everyone