Definition
This chengyu literally means 'short weapons connect with each other' — a vivid image of soldiers fighting hand-to-hand with daggers or swords. Figuratively, it describes any direct, intense confrontation where both sides are locked in close combat, whether in a debate, competition, or conflict. Use it when the clash is immediate and personal, not remote or indirect.
f.e.
to fight at close quartershand-to-hand combat(figurative) direct and intense confrontation
Examples
- ，短兵相接，。Zhànchǎng shàng, shuāngfāng duǎn bīng xiāng jiē, dǎ de nán fēn nán jiě.On the battlefield, the two sides fought at close quarters, locked in a fierce struggle.
- 短兵相接，。Zhè cì biànlùn sài jìnrù duǎn bīng xiāng jiē de jiēduàn, liǎng wèi xuǎnshǒu hù bù xiāng ràng.The debate competition entered a phase of direct confrontation, with neither contestant giving ground.
- 短兵相接，。Liǎng jiā gōngsī zài jiàgé shàng duǎn bīng xiāng jiē, dōu xiǎng qiǎngzhàn shìchǎng fèn'é.The two companies are locked in a price war, each trying to grab market share.
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