| No. | Item | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | a battle of wills | a stubborn contest |
| 2. | a long shot | an unlikely attempt |
| 3. | a Pyrrhic victory | a win at great cost |
| 4. | a shot across the bow | a warning signal |
| 5. | a shot in the arm | a boost of energy |
| 6. | a smokescreen | something that hides truth |
| 7. | armed to the teeth | heavily equipped or prepared |
| 8. | at the front lines | in the most active area |
| 9. | back to the wall | in a desperate situation |
| 10. | battle it out | fight until a decision |
| 11. | battle lines are drawn | sides are clearly formed |
| 12. | behind enemy lines | in hostile territory |
| 13. | bite the bullet | face something painful bravely |
| 14. | boots on the ground | people present and working |
| 15. | bring out the big guns | use strong resources |
| 16. | bury the hatchet | make peace |
| 17. | call the shots | make the decisions |
| 18. | caught in the crossfire | hurt by others’ conflict |
| 19. | caught off guard | surprised and unprepared |
| 20. | cease fire | stop fighting or arguing |
| 21. | cloak-and-dagger | secretive and mysterious |
| 22. | code of silence | agreement not to talk |
| 23. | cover your flank | protect yourself from risk |
| 24. | cross swords | argue or clash |
| 25. | declare war on | start a major fight |
| 26. | dig in your heels | refuse to change |
| 27. | draw a line in the sand | set a firm limit |
| 28. | draw first blood | make the first attack |
| 29. | drop a bombshell | reveal shocking news |
| 30. | enemy territory | a hostile environment |
| 31. | fall in line | start obeying or agreeing |
| 32. | fifth column | secret internal enemies |
| 33. | fight a losing battle | struggle with little chance |
| 34. | fight tooth and nail | fight very fiercely |
| 35. | fire a salvo | launch a strong attack |
| 36. | fly under the radar | avoid being noticed |
| 37. | friendly fire | harm caused by allies |
| 38. | gain ground | make progress |
| 39. | go nuclear | react extremely |
| 40. | go on the offensive | start attacking actively |
| 41. | go toe-to-toe | compete directly |
| 42. | go underground | operate secretly |
| 43. | hit the target | achieve the goal |
| 44. | hold the high ground | keep the advantage |
| 45. | hold the line | maintain your position |
| 46. | hold your fire | wait before reacting |
| 47. | in the line of fire | in a risky position |
| 48. | in the trenches | doing the hard daily work |
| 49. | join forces | work together |
| 50. | keep it under wraps | keep it secret |
| 51. | keep the peace | maintain calm and order |
| 52. | keep your powder dry | stay ready for action |
| 53. | launch a blitz | start a rapid campaign |
| 54. | lay low | stay hidden or quiet |
| 55. | let your guard down | stop being cautious |
| 56. | lock and load | get ready to start |
| 57. | loose lips sink ships | talk can cause harm |
| 58. | lose ground | fall behind or weaken |
| 59. | man the barricades | prepare to defend |
| 60. | march to a different drum | act independently |
| 61. | marching orders | clear instructions |
| 62. | mount an offensive | start an active campaign |
| 63. | mutually assured destruction | both sides lose if fighting |
| 64. | neutral ground | a place without sides |
| 65. | no quarter given | no mercy shown |
| 66. | off target | not accurate or relevant |
| 67. | on guard | alert and cautious |
| 68. | on target | accurate or correct |
| 69. | on the warpath | angry and ready to fight |
| 70. | open fire | begin attacking or criticizing |
| 71. | pick your battles | choose fights carefully |
| 72. | plan of attack | strategy for achieving something |
| 73. | preemptive strike | attack before being attacked |
| 74. | rally the troops | motivate your team |
| 75. | rank and file | ordinary members of a group |
| 76. | red alert | highest level of warning |
| 77. | rule with an iron fist | control very harshly |
| 78. | shoot down an idea | reject a proposal |
| 79. | shoot from the hip | act without thinking |
| 80. | shoot yourself in the foot | harm your own chances |
| 81. | smoke and mirrors | deceptive showmanship |
| 82. | stab in the back | a betrayal |
| 83. | stand your ground | refuse to back down |
| 84. | straight shooter | honest, direct person |
| 85. | sue for peace | seek an end to conflict |
| 86. | take a hit | suffer a setback |
| 87. | take fire | come under criticism or attack |
| 88. | take the high ground | gain a moral advantage |
| 89. | take your best shot | do your strongest attempt |
| 90. | toe the line | follow rules exactly |
| 91. | toe the party line | follow official views |
| 92. | under fire | being criticized or attacked |
| 93. | wage war on | fight strongly against something |
| 94. | war chest | money saved for a fight |
| 95. | war footing | ready for serious conflict |
| 96. | war of words | a heated verbal dispute |
| 97. | war room | strategy meeting place |
| 98. | watch your back | be alert for betrayal |
| 99. | wave the white flag | surrender or give up |
| 100. | win the battle, lose war | win small, lose big |
