noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
locking swords and pushing; tsuba-zeriai (sword fight)
Literal term from swordsmanship: when two opponents lock their sword guards (tsuba) and push against each other. Used as a noun or with する to describe the action.
時代劇で、侍がつばぜり合いを演じるシーンが好きだ。
I like scenes in period dramas where samurai perform tsuba-zeriai.
両者
The two crossed swords and ended up in a tsuba-zeriai.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
close contest; neck-and-neck battle; fierce competition
Figurative extension of the sword-fighting term. Describes any intense, evenly matched competition where opponents are locked in a struggle. Often used in sports, business, or debates.
選挙戦は最後までつばぜり合いが続いた。
The election campaign remained a neck-and-neck battle until the very end.
両チームのつばぜり合いは延長戦にもつれ込んだ。
The fierce competition between the two teams went into extra innings.