when Greek meets Greek, then comes the tug of war
1
used to suggest that when two highly skilled or intelligent individuals or groups confront each other, the resulting rivalry or competition can be fierce and difficult to resolve
The proverb "when Greek meets Greek, then comes the tug of war" is often attributed to Nathaniel Lee's 1677 play 'The Rival Queens.' It highlights that when equals confront each other, the struggle can become prolonged and challenging, as each side has the strength and determination to fight for their position. The phrase has been used to illustrate fierce competition, where both sides are formidable and the battle is not easily won.
- The two lawyers were both known for their aggressive tactics, so when they faced each other in court, it was a case of when Greek meets Greek, then comes the tug of war.