point of a sword; forceful debate
Literally the tip of a sword; figuratively used for a sharp, aggressive argument or verbal attack. The figurative sense is somewhat literary.
His verbal attack was sharp and overwhelmed his opponent.
It turned into a heated debate, as if crossing swords.
Compound of 太刀 (tachi, 'long sword') and 先 (saki, 'tip, point'). The figurative sense derives from the image of a sword's point as a sharp, attacking force.