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battle royal
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Tweet n. pl. battles royal 1. A battle involving many combatants, usually with each fighting against all the others until only one emerges victorious. 2. A competitive situation involving many participants who each attempt to improve their own chances by attacking the others: “The next 10 days, then, will be a battle royal between Bush, Rubio and Kasich—all clamoring for the establishment spot before the race goes national” (Chris Cillizza). 3. An intense altercation: “U.S. diplomatic cables suggest a battle royal between the two allies over satellite technology” (Tim Lister). 4. A fight to the finish. |
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