cross swords
To quarrel or argue with someone; to have a dispute with someone.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I try not to cross swords with my neighbors.”
“The two managers often cross swords during meetings because they have very different ideas about the project.”
“Throughout the legislative session, the senator frequently crossed swords with his political rivals over the proposed budget reforms.”
- 01
beat one's swords into ploughshares
To refrain from destructive military or paramilitary acts (war, terrorism, etc.) and put energy and resources to peaceful ends that would otherwise go to violence.
- 02
come home by weeping cross
To return in disappointment, or in a spirit of contrition.
- 03
cross my heart
A declaration that the speaker is telling the truth.
- 04
cross my heart and hope to die
Added to a promise or a statement to show how serious one was about being honest in what one said
- 05
cross of gold
A public policy which puts the interests of the rich ahead of those of the poor.
- 06
cross off
To strike out; to cross out; to draw a line through.
- 07
cross out
To strike out (something); to draw a line through (something).
- 08
cross paths
To be, by chance, in the same physical place at the same time, as a result of two completely separate journeys; to encounter or meet each other.
Last updated August 10, 2026