'Battle of Nerves'

source: Twominute English    2013年7月16日
We use the idiom 'battle of nerves' to describe a situation in which two parties are in constant dispute and are not willing to surrender, trying to defeat each other by threatening or even waiting without doing anything.
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0:18 The situation when two parties are in dispute and are not willing to surrender is called “a battle of nerves” or war of nerves.
0:26 It's an idiom which means two parties are trying to defeat each other merely by threatening, using words without taking any action.
0:37 So you mean, a battle of nerves doesn't have a real face-to-face fight, right?
0:43 Correct, it's a contest in which one tries to beat the opponents by making them worried or afraid.
0:50 It's also a situation when the party waits for the other side to weaken.
0:54 For example: The border dispute between the two countries has been a battle of nerves for years.
1:01 Nice. How about this: The battle of nerves finally ended when the president stepped down from his post.
1:08 Good example. Let's listen to some conversations now.
1:18 There's been a battle of nerves going on between the school board and the teachers. I even heard they may suspend classes.
1:25 That might be good for you!
1:27 Yeah, it'll give me time to prepare my project.
1:31 Don't you think the school board is too strict with their new policies?
1:36 Yeah, we're hoping the teachers win this battle of nerves!
1:45 Mrs. Mandy's proposal ended the battle of nerves at the university.
1:50 Are they ready to accept the new curriculum?
1:53 Yeah! But it's almost time for our papers now.
1:58 Such a battle of nerves has affected the students in a negative way.
2:02 It has caused quite a commotion!
2:10 I've been in a battle of nerves with my dad about smoking.
2:14 It's really hard to get someone to quit.
2:17 We've been at it for years. I'm always nagging him about it.
2:22 I can feel the tension between you two whenever he lights up.
2:26 It's a battle I'll probably never win.
2:30 Don't give up!
2:35 There's been a battle of nerves going on between the school board and the teachers.
2:46 Yeah, we're hoping the teachers win this battle of nerves!
2:55 Mrs. Mandy's proposal ended the battle of nerves at the university.
3:04 Such a battle of nerves has affected the students in a negative way.
3:14 I've been in a battle of nerves with my dad about smoking.