Conflict is an inevitable part of human interactions, arising in both personal and professional settings. Whether it’s a mild disagreement or a heated debate, the language we use to describe these situations is rich and varied. This blog post explores 20 expressions related to conflict, providing a clear understanding of each phrase along with concise examples. These expressions can help articulate situations of discord more vividly and perhaps even with a touch of humor or gravity, depending on the context.
Expressions Related to Conflict
1. At loggerheads
Meaning: In strong disagreement.
Example: The partners were at loggerheads over the new contract.
2. Butt heads
Meaning: To argue about something.
Example: They often butt heads on project strategies.
3. Cross swords
Meaning: To have a heated argument.
Example: They crossed swords during the meeting.
4. A bone of contention
Meaning: A subject or issue over which there is ongoing disagreement.
Example: The topic became a bone of contention.
5. Lock horns
Meaning: To get into a serious argument.
Example: They locked horns over budget allocations.
6. Add fuel to the fire
Meaning: To worsen an already heated situation.
Example: His comments added fuel to the fire.
7. Rub the wrong way
Meaning: To irritate or annoy someone.
Example: His arrogance rubs everyone the wrong way.
8. At odds with
Meaning: In disagreement.
Example: He is at odds with his team about the deadline.
9. Throw a wrench into
Meaning: To cause a plan or activity to become disrupted.
Example: The late delivery threw a wrench into our plans.
10. Tug of war
Meaning: A situation in which two parties are evenly matched and competing for control.
Example: The negotiation was a tug of war.
11. Beat around the bush
Meaning: Avoid addressing a conflict or issue directly.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and state your real concerns.
12. Have it out
Meaning: To discuss or argue over a problem until it is resolved.
Example: Let’s just have it out and move on.
13. Clear the air
Meaning: To remove misunderstanding or tension.
Example: They talked and cleared the air.
14. Kiss and make up
Meaning: To reconcile after a conflict.
Example: After the argument, they decided to kiss and make up.
15. Open a can of worms
Meaning: To create a new set of problems.
Example: Asking about his past was like opening a can of worms.
16. Poke the bear
Meaning: To provoke someone or something.
Example: Don’t poke the bear; she’s already upset.
17. Bury the hatchet
Meaning: To make peace with someone.
Example: They finally decided to bury the hatchet.
18. Rock the boat
Meaning: To disturb a situation.
Example: He didn’t want to rock the boat by complaining.
19. Stir the pot
Meaning: To cause unrest or dissent.
Example: He loves to stir the pot during discussions.
20. Blow off steam
Meaning: To express anger or frustration to relieve stress.
Example: I need to blow off some steam after that meeting.
