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REFERENCE

measure swords with

idiom

To match one's abilities against an antagonist's.


Anchors to
Related idioms6entries
  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

    cross swords

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

  3. 03

    in no small measure

    To a very great extent.

  4. 04

    last full measure

    A person's life, when lost through death in service to a nation or cause, particularly as a member of a military force in war or a semi-militarized organization such as a police force or civil defense corps, e.g. fire departments. May also be applied to some dangerous government and civil occupations such as espionage.

  5. 05

    measure the drapes

    To make premature or unwarranted preparations for victory, especially election to public office.

  6. 06

    measure up

    To meet expectations; to be as good as.

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