# handbags at ten paces

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/handbags-at-ten-paces
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of handbags at dawn (“a catty squabble”).

## Examples

- The two neighbors are having handbags at ten paces again.
- The meeting turned into handbags at ten paces when the two managers started arguing over the office budget.
- What began as a professional disagreement quickly devolved into handbags at ten paces, with both parties trading petty insults rather than discussing the actual project.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.