pitched battle

• 指激烈、猛烈且往往持久的战斗或冲突，通常意味着对立双方之间的直接交锋。也可指激烈的争论或分歧。

A fierce, intense, and often prolonged fight or conflict, typically involving direct confrontation between opposing forces. Can also refer to a heated argument or dispute.

1. Intense military engagementC1formal

   A large-scale, planned battle between two armies on a chosen field.

   决战

   • The two armies met in a pitched battle on the plains.
   • Historians still study the tactics used in that pitched battle.
   • The general prepared his troops for a pitched battle.

2. Fierce argument or conflictC1informal

   A very intense, prolonged, and often bitter argument or dispute.

   激烈争论

   • The board meeting turned into a pitched battle over the budget.
   • They had a pitched battle about who should clean the kitchen.
   • The debate became a pitched battle between the two candidates.