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Glite Dictionary
to measure swords

to measure swords

9.2
To test each other's skill in a contest, for example in a match or debate
  • phrasal verb
  • Literature
translation icon : medir espadas
  • The rivals will measure swords again in next week's final match.

Examples

  • During the debate, the two candidates were eager to measure swords on the big issues.

  • Are you ready to measure swords with me?

  • She was nervous about measuring swords with the most experienced players in the team.

  • The two knights will measure swords at dawn.

  • The two knights will measure swords at dawn.

  • The rivals will measure swords again in next week's final match.

  • Are you ready to measure swords with me?

Synonyms

to battle
vsto measure swords
372 2.7

To fight against someone or something for a long time

is a contest of skill or strategy, not necessarily prolonged or large scale
to duel
vsto measure swords
31 7.3

To take part in a formal, arranged fight with weapons against another person

is a competitive confrontation framed as a contest of skill or strategy
to fence
vsto measure swords
8 5.6

To take part in a sport using light swords

is broader competition emphasizing skill or strategy rather than sport rules
to cross swords
vsto measure swords
  • Informal
5 6.8

Argue strongly with someone, often in public

is a competitive confrontation focused on skill or strategy rather than words

Antonyms

to refrain
87 4.2

Choose not to do something you want to do

to stay out of it
56 3.8

To avoid getting involved in an argument or fight

How Confrontational

to duel
31 7.3
to fight
∞ 1.0
spar
1 7.2
to measure swords
  • Literature
9.2
to compete
983 2.6

Surface Forms

measure swords infinitive
measured swords past
measured swords past participle
measuring swords present participle
measures swords third person singular

Morphology

measure + sword

The verb 'measure' (to test or assess) combined with 'swords' suggests a comparison or testing of swordsmanship, so there is a visible link between constituents and the idiomatic sense of testing or contest. However, the meaning 'engage in competition or confrontation' is somewhat metaphorical and could be misread as literally measuring weapons by a B1 learner, so it is only partially predictable without prior exposure.

Etymology

The verb measure swords comes from an old, simple picture: two fighters used their swords to measure who was stronger or more skilled. So this image of testing weapons became the idea 'to compete', and today measure swords means to face someone in a contest or argument.