war of nerves
Warfare characterized by psychological manipulation, involving tactics intended to demoralize, frighten, and unnerve opponents in order to prompt surrender.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The long standoff between the two companies is a war of nerves.”
“The trade negotiations turned into a war of nerves as both sides refused to make the first move.”
“The diplomatic crisis escalated into a grueling war of nerves, testing the resolve of every leader involved in the tense, high-stakes summit.”
- 01
bundle of nerves
A person with an especially nervous, excitable, or fearful disposition.
- 02
get on someone's nerves
To annoy or irritate someone; to bother someone.
- 03
hold one's nerve
To stay calm facing nervousness.
- 04
nerves of steel
Great bravery, courage, or composure.
- 05
pissing war
An immature dispute over some trivial matter.
- 06
touch a nerve
To make a remark or perform a deed which produces a strong response, especially an emotional response such as anxiety or annoyance, because it calls to mind something which has been a source of concern or embarrassment.
- 07
tug of war
A dispute between two parties, particularly an entrenched, back-and-forth dispute.
- 08
turf war
A fight or confrontation between two divisions or parties for access to resources or capital.
Last updated August 10, 2026