What does “Battle of nerves” mean?
"Battle of nerves" means a situation where two or more people are trying to make each other nervous or anxious.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The intense game of chess turned into a battle of nerves as both players tried to outwit each other.
Example
During the job interview, the candidate and the interviewer engaged in a battle of nerves to see who would crack under pressure first.
Example
The final round of the competition became a battle of nerves as the remaining contestants fought to stay calm and focused
Is “Battle of nerves” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Battle of nerves” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Battle of nerves” effectively in context?
You can use "Battle of Nerves" to describe a situation where two or more people are trying to make each other nervous or anxious. It emphasizes the psychological aspect of competition or conflict. For example, if two athletes are competing in a high-stakes race and both are feeling the pressure, you might say, 'It's going to be a battle of nerves to see who can stay calm and focused.'
- 1Sports
The intense game of chess turned into a battle of nerves as both players tried to outwit each other.
- 2Job Interview
During the job interview, the candidate and the interviewer engaged in a battle of nerves to see who would crack under pressure first.
- 3Competition
The final round of the competition became a battle of nerves as the remaining contestants fought to stay calm and focused.
Similar phrases to “Battle of nerves”:
Nail-biting
Causing great anxiety or tension
Example
The suspenseful movie kept the audience on the edge of their seats in nail-biting anticipation.
The use of psychological tactics to intimidate or demoralize an opponent
Example
The political campaign turned into a psychological warfare as candidates attacked each other's character.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Battle of nerves” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Battle of Nerves" is unknown.
Is “Battle of nerves” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Battle of Nerves" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe tense situations where people are trying to mentally outmaneuver each other.
What tone does “Battle of nerves” have?
"Battle of Nerves" conveys a tone of intensity and psychological tension. It is used to describe situations where individuals are engaged in a mental struggle to stay calm and focused despite pressure.
Can “Battle of nerves” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Battle of Nerves" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that captures the psychological aspect of competition or conflict. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The athletes entered into a battle of nerves as they prepared for the championship match.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's going to be a "battle of nerves"!' to imply a tense situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- mental battle
- psychological duel
- nerve-wracking contest
- anxiety-inducing competition
- mind struggle
Antonyms
- peaceful resolution
- harmonious cooperation
- relaxed interaction
- friendly collaboration
- mutual understanding
