noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
crossing swords; sword fight
Literal meaning: a fight with real swords. Now mostly used in historical or metaphorical contexts.
侍たちが太刀打ちを始めた。
The samurai began crossing swords.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
competing against; contending with; fighting against
Figurative use: to compete or contend with someone, often in a context where one is outmatched. Commonly used in negative potential expressions like 太刀打ちできない (cannot compete with).
See also: 太刀打ちできる
彼の実力には太刀打ちできない。
I can't compete with his ability.
大手企業に太刀打ちするのは難しい。
It's hard to contend with a major corporation.