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general::
Phrase(s): thrust and parry
Fig. to enter into verbal combat [with someone]; to compete actively [with someone]. (Fig. on the sport of fencing.) • I spent the entire afternoon thrusting and parrying with a committee of so-called experts in the field of insurance. • I do not intend to stand here and thrust and parry with you over a simple matter like this. Let’s get someone else’s opinion.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs