针锋相对 (zhēn fēng xiāng duì) — tit for tat; to oppose each other with equal harshness; to be in direct opposition; to clash head-on
Definition
An idiom describing two sides in sharp, head-on conflict — each meeting the other's point blow for blow. Unlike 不相上下, which is neutral ('about evenly matched'), 针锋相对 is hostile and confrontational.
phrase
tit for tatto oppose each other with equal harshnessto be in direct oppositionto clash head-on
Examples
- 针锋相对，。Liǎng wèi hòu xuǎn rén zài diàn shì biàn lùn zhōng zhēn fēng xiāng duì, hù bù xiāng ràng.The two candidates were tit for tat in the TV debate, neither giving in.
- 针锋相对，。Tā men de guān diǎn zhēn fēng xiāng duì, tǎo lùn hěn kuài jiù biàn chéng le zhēng chǎo.Their views were in direct opposition, and the discussion quickly turned into an argument.
- 针锋相对，。Shuāng fāng dài biǎo zài tán pàn zhōng zhēn fēng xiāng duì, qì fen shí fēn jǐn zhāng.The representatives from both sides opposed each other harshly in the negotiations, and the atmosphere was very tense.
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