se battre comme des chiffonniers

French

Etymology

Literally, "to fight like dustbin-rakers", "to argue like rag-gatherers". (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /sə ba.tʁə kɔm de ʃi.fɔ.nje/

Verb

se battre comme des chiffonniers

1. (simile, informal) to fight very violently

Usage notes

This is the reciprocal se.