cross swords

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Zohran Mamdani, the young star of the US left, started his first day as New York mayor on Thursday for a term sure to see him cross swords with President Donald Trump.

From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026

Because of their ubiquity, on the island and globally, foxes are a cute, however curious, choice over which to cross swords.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 4, 2023

"Magritte wanted to cross swords, meaning to engage in a theoretical combat with the philosophers, to prove to them that images can express thoughts in the same way that words can," Ottinger said.

From Reuters • Sep. 22, 2016

Still, the younger generation is often out front on replication because they relish a chance to cross swords with their elders.

From New York Times • Apr. 22, 2013

I wanted very much to cross swords with Percy Yutar, but it was more important that I use the platform to highlight our grievances.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela