cut and thrust

1. (Fencing) fencing using both the blade and the point of a sword

2. (in argument, debate, etc) a lively and spirited exchange of ideas or opinions

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

References in periodicals archive

In this last episode of what has been a noholds barred series, Mary opts for a change of routine by escaping the cut and thrust of hospital medicine by helping out at the local family GP practice.

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It's going to be extremely interesting this time around to see if people still appreciate the cut and thrust of big business at a time when the country is in deep recession.

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