The phrase "was at daggers with" is a common English expression used to describe a fierce argument or conflict. The word "daggers" is pronounced as /ˈdagərz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, /ˈdæɡ/, rhymes with "bag" and is stressed. The second syllable, /ərz/, sounds like "ers" and is unstressed. The spelling of "daggers" is straightforward, with the double 'g' indicating a hard 'g' sound and the '-ers' ending indicating a plural form.
The phrase "was at daggers with" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of intense hostility, animosity, or conflict between individuals or groups. It refers to a situation where two or more parties have a strong, bitter disagreement or enmity towards each other.
Originating from the practice of carrying daggers as weapons in the past, this phrase vividly portrays the intensity and physical nature of the conflict. The term "daggers" represents the lethal weapons that were typically concealed or grasped in hand for use in close combat. "At" signifies the confrontational stance or position the parties assume during the conflict.
When two or more parties are "at daggers with" each other, it suggests a high level of antagonism, often manifested through confrontational behaviors, harsh exchanges of words, or even physical altercations. The term typically denotes a deep-seated and long-standing conflict that could arise from differing ideologies, opposing interests, or personal grievances.
The phrase "was at daggers with" is often used figuratively in conversations, literature, or news reports to emphasize the acrimonious nature of the relationship between the parties involved. It connotes a severe level of enmity or hostility, capturing the intensity of the dispute and highlighting the potential danger or harm that can arise from such a situation.