tug of war

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

With the Iran war now well into its third month, countries are scrambling to circumvent the geopolitical tug of war by transitioning more quickly to renewables.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

Some items once defined by their sentimental value can become just another asset in the financial tug of war during a divorce.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

The tug of war between a sound market backdrop and rising external risks is likely to continue, with offsetting pressures potentially holding back broader index gains into the coming weeks.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

U.S. stocks closed mixed on Thursday after a wild day on Wall Street in which metals surged, the price of oil spiked and a tug of war erupted in equities.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026

Parthia and Rome had been engaged in a tug of war for decades as provinces along the eastern border of Rome’s territory changed hands and shifted loyalties.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby