At Swords’ Points ⚔️
Definition
At swords’ points: Openly hostile or antagonistic. Imagine two medieval knights, swords drawn, ready to engage in battle. Thankfully, the era of dueling with actual swords is long gone, but this idiom remains. It conveys modern battles, whether they’re at a roundtable conference or the dinner table, brilliantly encapsulating the tension and readiness to clash.
Context and Usage
Ever been to a family dinner where politics gets brought up, turning civil chatter into an electoral battleground? That’s being at swords’ points—no blades, just sharp tongues.
Mary McCarthy’s novel The Group showcases this beautifully:
“Mrs. Hartshorn and her dead husband had had a running battle over Wilson and the League, and now Priss and Sloan were at swords’ points over Roosevelt and socialized medicine.”
Even centuries before Mary penned her novel, the concept was birthed. At daggers drawn is its synonymous sibling, popularized in 1668 but gaining figurative fame in the 1800s. Consider Robert B. Brough’s Marston Lynch, His Life and Times from 1870:
“Was Marston still at daggers drawn with his rich uncle?”
Related Terms, Expressions, and Synonyms
- At daggers drawn: Same concept, different weapon.
- To be on a warpath: Preparing for confrontation.
- Cross swords: To argue or debate vehemently.
- To have a bone to pick with someone: Holding a grievance.
Antonyms
- To bury the hatchet: To make peace.
- To be on the same page: To be in agreement.
- To mend fences: To reconcile or repair a relationship.
Inspirational and Humorous Quotes
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain—without swords, preferably.” – W. T. Wittywords
“Having a sharp tongue doesn’t mean you have a keen intellect.” – Nigerian Proverb
Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
Books:
- The Group by Mary McCarthy
- Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare (enter Beatrice and Benedick’s banter).
Movies:
- The Princess Bride (Think Inigo Montoya and his quest for vengeance).
- Gladiator (Maximus and Commodus, anyone?).
Songs:
- We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together by Taylor Swift (Uber-relates to the quarrel vibes).
Farewell Thought
Remember, dear reader: in life’s myriad battles, words can be sharper than swords, but peace is always mightiest.
Until next time, keep your swords sheathed and your words kind! 🌟
