太た刀ち打うち

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.

• 侍さむらいたちが太た刀ち打うちを始はじめた。

  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

• 彼かれの実じつ力りょくには太た刀ち打うちできない。

  I can't compete with his ability.

• 大おお手て企き業ぎょうに太た刀ち打うちするのは難むずかしい。

  It's hard to contend with a major corporation.