cut-and-thrust
Definition
- 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.
Noun
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fighting with knives
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