at daggers drawn

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/ət ˈdæɡ.əz drɔːn/
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In a state of intense mutual hostility.
Practice using at daggers drawn in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The former partners were at daggers drawn over the patent.
  • Their families are still at daggers drawn.
  • The two ministers are at daggers drawn.
  • Both factions remained at daggers drawn after the vote.
  • The neighbours have been at daggers drawn for years.

Similar words

in bitter conflict
openly hostile
at loggerheads

Meanings

Bitterly hostile

conflict
neutral
Said of people or groups who are in serious conflict and deeply distrust one another.

Examples

  • The two ministers are at daggers drawn.
  • The neighbours have been at daggers drawn for years.
  • Both factions remained at daggers drawn after the vote.
  • The former partners were at daggers drawn over the patent.
  • Their families are still at daggers drawn.

Similar words

in bitter conflict
openly hostile
at loggerheads

Etymology

The image is of opponents with drawn daggers ready to fight.

FAQ

What does at daggers drawn mean?

At daggers drawn means bitterly hostile to each other.

When is at daggers drawn used?

It describes people or groups in a serious dispute.

How does at daggers drawn differ from at odds?

At odds can mean simple disagreement; at daggers drawn implies deep hostility.

How is at daggers drawn used in a sentence?

The two ministers are at daggers drawn.

Is at daggers drawn formal?

No, it is an established idiom used in both speech and writing.

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