[trade] punches
1
to engage in a verbal conflict by exchanging criticisms, insults, etc.
The idiom "trade punches" originates from the sport of boxing, where opponents exchange blows or punches during a match. In a broader sense, the phrase is used metaphorically to describe a situation where two parties engage in a back-and-forth exchange of verbal or physical blows, indicating a reciprocal and often intense interaction marked by conflict or disagreement.
- During the heated debate, the politicians traded punches over economic policies.
- The two companies have been trading punches in the market, vying for dominance and market share.
- In the courtroom, the lawyers traded punches in their arguments, presenting contrasting viewpoints.
- The siblings were known to trade punches verbally during family gatherings, revealing longstanding disagreements.
- The political rivals traded punches in a series of public exchanges, each attempting to discredit the other's policies.
2
(of people) to use their fists in order to hit each other during a fight or competition
The idiom "trade punches" originated from the world of boxing and combat sports, where two opponents engage in a physical fight by literally exchanging blows or punches. This expression has been figuratively extended to describe any situation where individuals or parties confront each other physically, often indicating a competitive or confrontational nature.
- The two boxers traded punches in the ring, with each fighter trying to land a decisive blow.
- During the bar brawl, multiple patrons traded punches, leading to a chaotic scene.
- In the schoolyard fight, the two students traded punches until a teacher intervened to stop the altercation.
- When tempers flared during the argument, it escalated to a point where the individuals involved began to trade punches.
- The street fight ended when the two combatants tired themselves out, having traded punches for several minutes.