war of words
noun phraseUK /ˌwɔːr əv ˈwɜːdz/
US /ˌwɔːr əv ˈwɝːdz/
A fight using angry words instead of hitting.
The two neighbors had a war of words over the noisy dog.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A public exchange of harsh criticism between people or groups.
The politicians' war of words lasted for weeks on television.
3. A long series of arguments that never becomes physical.
Their war of words finally ended when they agreed to stop shouting.
4. A contest of clever or insulting language.
The comedians had a friendly war of words on stage.