cut and thrust
/kʌt ənd θrʌst/
noun
- A lively, competitive, and often aggressive exchange of ideas or arguments.
- In the cut-and-thrust of politics, quick thinking is essential.
- The cut-and-thrust of the debate kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
- She enjoys the cut-and-thrust of business negotiations.
- A style of fighting or fencing that uses both cutting and thrusting movements.
- Modern fencing focuses more on thrusting than on the cut-and-thrust of older styles.
- The knight was trained in the cut-and-thrust of medieval sword fighting.
- The movie featured realistic cut-and-thrust combat scenes.
Synonyms
adjective
- Involving lively and competitive argument or activity.
- She thrives in a cut-and-thrust work environment.
- The cut-and-thrust atmosphere of the courtroom made the trial exciting.
- The cut-and-thrust nature of the sport attracts many fans.