cut-and-thrust

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cut-and-thrust

A fencer practices the cut-and-thrust with a training partner.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Fighting with knives: A style of combat involving close-quarters fighting with bladed weapons, particularly knives or swords, characterized by quick, alternating offensive and defensive movements.
    • Vigorous, spirited debate or competition: A metaphorical extension describing any intense, fast-paced, and direct exchange, such as in an argument, negotiation, or competitive situation.
Usage Examples

  • Literal meaning:

    • The duel was a brutal display of cut-and-thrust, with both fighters parrying and lunging in rapid succession.
    • He was skilled in the cut-and-thrust of knife fighting.

  • Figurative meaning:

    • The political debate was full of cut-and-thrust, with candidates attacking each other's policies directly.
    • She enjoys the cut-and-thrust of the corporate world.
Advanced Usage
  • "the cut and thrust of (something)": A common phrase used to describe the dynamic and often aggressive nature of a particular field or activity.
    • He thrives on the cut and thrust of courtroom litigation.
    • The cut and thrust of parliamentary debate can be exhausting.
Variants and Related Words
  • Cutthroat (adj): Ruthlessly competitive.
    • It's a cutthroat industry where only the strongest survive.
  • Thrust (n/v): A sudden, forceful push or lunge; the core meaning or purpose.
    • He parried the thrust of the sword. (n)
    • The main thrust of her argument was convincing. (n)
Synonyms
  • Fencing: The sport of fighting with swords.
  • Sparring: Making the motions of attack and defense in a fight or argument.
  • Give-and-take: An exchange of ideas or comments, often in a debate.
Related Phrases
  • Cut and parry: A phrase from fencing describing the basic actions of attack (cut) and defense (parry), often used metaphorically like "cut-and-thrust."
    • Their conversation was a constant cut and parry of wits.
Related Idioms
  • A war of words: A fierce argument or debate.
    • The meeting turned into a war of words.
  • Trading blows: Exchanging attacks, either physical or verbal.
    • The two politicians spent the evening trading blows over the new policy.
cut-and-thrust

A fencer practices the cut-and-thrust with a training partner.

Noun
  1. fighting with knives

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