tug-of-war
nounUK /ˌtʌɡ əv ˈwɔː/
US /ˌtʌɡ əv ˈwɔːr/
A game where two teams pull on a rope to see who is stronger.
The kids played tug-of-war at the school picnic.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A struggle between two sides who want different things.
The tug-of-war over the budget lasted for weeks.
3. A situation where someone is pulled between two choices or feelings.
She felt a tug-of-war between work and family.
4. A contest of power between rival groups.
The election became a tug-of-war between the two parties.