What is the origin of the idiom "at daggers drawn" and when to use it?

The idiom "at daggers drawn" finds its origins in the imagery of two individuals or groups each holding a dagger, a short stabbing weapon, in a confrontational stance. The phrase has historical roots and reflects a state of intense hostility or enmity between parties, where the tension is so palpable that it is akin to being on the brink of a physical altercation. It is often used metaphorically to describe situations characterized by extreme animosity or conflict.