Idioms are like secret codes or puzzles in language that express something in a fun and interesting way. This post will help you understand some common phrases related to “battle” that people use in everyday English.
Battle Idioms
Here are 20 battle idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. Cross swords
Meaning: To argue or disagree strongly
Example: They often cross swords over money matters.
2. Fight tooth and nail
Meaning: To fight or resist very fiercely
Example: She fought tooth and nail for her rights.
3. Draw first blood
Meaning: To be the first to injure or gain an advantage
Example: He drew first blood in the debate.
4. Lay down arms
Meaning: To stop fighting; to surrender
Example: The rebels finally laid down their arms.
5. Take up the gauntlet
Meaning: To accept a challenge
Example: He took up the gauntlet thrown by the rival.
6. Beat the swords into ploughshares
Meaning: To turn from war to peaceful pursuits
Example: The nations aimed to beat swords into ploughshares.
7. Battle of wits
Meaning: A situation where people compete using intelligence
Example: The game was a real battle of wits.
8. Up in arms
Meaning: Very angry; protesting vehemently
Example: The community was up in arms about the decision.
9. Skirmish with
Meaning: To have a minor fight or dispute
Example: He skirmished with his colleague over the project.
10. Rally the troops
Meaning: Gather people together for support or action
Example: She rallied the troops to finish the task on time.
11. Hold the fort
Meaning: To maintain a position or condition alone
Example: He held the fort until help arrived.
12. Join the fray
Meaning: To join a fight or competition
Example: She finally joined the fray and expressed her opinion.
13. Sword of Damocles
Meaning: A constant threat or danger
Example: The lawsuit was a sword of Damocles over the company.
14. Fight a losing battle
Meaning: To struggle with little chance of success
Example: He was fighting a losing battle with his illness.
15. Armed to the teeth
Meaning: Fully equipped or armed
Example: The guards were armed to the teeth.
16. Burn one’s bridges
Meaning: To destroy one’s path of retreat
Example: He burned his bridges when he quit his job angrily.
17. Close ranks
Meaning: To unite and work together closely
Example: The team closed ranks to finish the project.
18. Call to arms
Meaning: A request to engage in active combat or competition
Example: The leader’s speech was a call to arms.
19. Beat a retreat
Meaning: To withdraw or retreat from a position
Example: They had to beat a retreat when the storm hit.
20. Fortress mentality
Meaning: An attitude of defense or resistance to change
Example: The old management had a fortress mentality.
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Queen Idioms |Romanian Idioms |Scared Idioms
