war of words

What is the origin of the idiom "war of words" and when to use it?

The idiom "war of words" does not have a specific known origin. It is a figurative expression that has been used in various contexts throughout history to describe intense verbal conflicts. The use of the word "war" in this phrase metaphorically compares the verbal dispute to an actual battle, emphasizing the intensity, aggression, and strategic nature of the conflict. The term has become a common idiomatic expression to describe situations where arguments, debates, or exchanges of rhetoric escalate into heated confrontations. It is commonly used in political debates, where opposing candidates or parties engage in aggressive exchanges of rhetoric to assert their positions and undermine their opponents.