1
general::
Argue or debate with, as in You'd never know they were happily married, because they're constantly sparring with each other. [Early 1600s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): spar with someone
1. Lit. to box with someone for practice. • The champ needs someone to spar with every day. • Ted was sparring with his brother when the phone rang and saved him from further exertion. 2. Fig. to argue or quibble with someone. • I think you really enjoy sparring with people just to irritate them. • Stop sparring with me! I am not here to argue.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs