"Wert at daggers with" is a phrase commonly used to indicate that two individuals or groups are in a state of conflict or enmity. The pronunciation of "wert" is somewhat archaic, and is most commonly found in Shakespearean English. It is pronounced /wərt/, with a short "u" sound and a silent "e". The phrase "at daggers with" refers to the use of daggers, or small swords commonly used in fighting, and is pronounced /æt ˈdæɡərz wɪð/. Together, the phrase is pronounced /wərt æt ˈdæɡərz wɪð/.
"Wert at daggers with" is a less common idiomatic expression that denotes a state of extreme hostility or conflict between two or more individuals or groups. The phrase derives from the medieval European practice of carrying daggers or knives as weapons. In this context, "wert" is a shortened form of the archaic second-person singular past tense of the verb "to be," and "daggers" refers to the specifically chosen weapon.
When someone is described as being "at daggers with" someone else, it means they are engaged in a bitter or intense disagreement or dispute, characterized by animosity, resentment, and a desire to harm or defeat each other. The phrase suggests a high level of tension, with emotions running deep and the situation at risk of escalating into physical violence.
In a figurative sense, being "at daggers with" can also refer to a state of hostility or rivalry that goes beyond mere disagreement, involving a profound and enduring conflict of interests or principles. This expression often highlights a volatile relationship, suggesting an ongoing power struggle or irreconcilable differences. It characterizes a situation where compromise or cooperation seems highly unlikely, and the involved parties are locked in a state of perpetual conflict.
Overall, "wert at daggers with" refers to a state of intense hostility or animosity, implying a deep-rooted disagreement or antagonism, and often suggesting a physical confrontation or prolonged conflict.