cross swords

phrase

: to engage in a dispute

Examples of cross swords in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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The governor has crossed swords over public safety and criminal justice with members of his own party on a handful of occasions. — Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cross swords was in 1861

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Style

“Cross swords.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross%20swords. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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cross swords

phrase

Examples of cross swords in a Sentence

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