ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cross swords

idiom
Meaning

To quarrel or argue with someone; to have a dispute with someone.


Examples
SIMPLE

I try not to cross swords with my neighbors.

CONTEXTUAL

The two managers often cross swords during meetings because they have very different ideas about the project.

COMPLEX

Throughout the legislative session, the senator frequently crossed swords with his political rivals over the proposed budget reforms.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 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.

  2. 02

    come home by weeping cross

    To return in disappointment, or in a spirit of contrition.

  3. 03

    cross my heart

    A declaration that the speaker is telling the truth.

  4. 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

  5. 05

    cross of gold

    A public policy which puts the interests of the rich ahead of those of the poor.

  6. 06

    cross off

    To strike out; to cross out; to draw a line through.

  7. 07

    cross out

    To strike out (something); to draw a line through (something).

  8. 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.

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