expression, noun
three-cornered battle; three-way fight
Refers to a conflict or competition involving three parties, often with shifting alliances. The phrase evokes the mitsudomoe symbol (three comma-like shapes in a circle).
See also: 三つ巴戦
選挙は三つ巴の争いになった。
The election turned into a three-way race.
市場シェアをめぐって三つ巴の争いが続いている。
A three-cornered battle over market share continues.
三つ巴戦 is a more specific term for a three-way match or contest, while 三つ巴の争い is a broader expression for any three-cornered struggle.
From 三つ巴 (mitsudomoe, a three-comma symbol) + の + 争い (fight). The mitsudomoe design suggests three forces intertwined in a circular struggle.