a bitter squabble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bitter squabble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heated or contentious argument or disagreement between parties. Example: "The two neighbors had a bitter squabble over the property line that lasted for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But nor can it retreat without triggering a bitter squabble over Chávez's legacy.

The Economist

Later it is revealed that Smurf and J's mother were estranged for years after a bitter squabble over the rules of a card game.

The New York Times

After a bitter squabble with the panel's chief counsel, Mr. Gonzalez quit, asserting that elements of organized crime were succeeding in keeping the truth obscured.

The New York Times

Yet Carlos Acosta's dream of founding a dance center in one of Cuba's most storied but neglected revolution-era buildings has touched off a bitter squabble with the original architect that has divided Cuba's cultural elite and attracted the attention of architects the world over.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The case has inflamed Cuban-American tensions that have become over the years more like a bitter intrafamily squabble than a dispute between nations with differing political systems.

The New York Times

A 20-minute work in five movements, "touché" takes the form of a bitter lovers' squabble, with fragmentary texts by Sabine Marienburg, who is married to the composer.

The New York Times - Arts

And might it not be dismaying for impressionable children to find out in their studies of industry that, as we've learned from a recent biography of W. K. Kellogg, the growth of his corporation was impeded, and at one point nearly throttled, by a bitter legal squabble over business matters with none other than his own brother.

The New Yorker

A truce was achieved after bitter squabbling that did little for the party's public image.

The Economist

That deal put an end to years of bitter squabbling over subsidies to Airbus, which was starting to win sales from Boeing.The Europeans suspect the Americans of cheating on the deal by funnelling indirect subsidies to Boeing, in contravention of the agreement to limit subsidies to 30% of a project's cost.

The Economist

So it was to be expected that as the richer, closer-to-New York, somewhat more cosmopolitan Nassau County experienced bitter squabbles among lawmakers, an insurance scandal that cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars, and severe budget shortfalls, Suffolk rested on its laurels, which included a genial lawmaking process, a solid budget, and few governmental scandals.

The New York Times

On the diplomatic front, it was Paris that was to set the tone for a year of rancorous exchanges between Europe and Washington and bitter squabbling between the EU member states over the wisdom of the war in Iraq.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bitter squabble" to describe situations where the argument is not only intense but also marked by resentment and animosity between the involved parties. Consider the emotional tone you want to convey; this phrase adds a layer of negativity beyond a simple disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "a bitter squabble" when a simpler, more neutral term like "disagreement" or "debate" would suffice. Overusing emotionally charged language can diminish its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bitter squabble" functions as a noun phrase, where "bitter" modifies the noun "squabble". It describes a specific type of argument characterized by negativity and resentment. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bitter squabble" is a noun phrase used to describe a heated and resentful argument. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though it is relatively rare in occurrence. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to convey the intensity and unpleasantness of a dispute. While grammatically sound, writers should consider whether the emotional charge of "bitter" is appropriate for the intended tone and audience. Related phrases, such as "a heated dispute" or "a fierce argument", can offer alternative nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heated dispute

Focuses on the intensity of the disagreement.

a fierce argument

Emphasizes the aggressive nature of the debate.

an acrimonious conflict

Highlights the bitterness and resentment involved.

a contentious disagreement

Stresses the tendency to cause arguments or disputes.

a rancorous debate

Focuses on the deeply hostile feelings expressed.

a spiteful quarrel

Highlights the malicious intent behind the argument.

a venomous altercation

Emphasizes the poisonous or toxic nature of the exchange.

a furious clash

Highlights the intense and often sudden nature of the disagreement.

a nasty falling-out

Focuses on the negative consequences of the disagreement on the relationship between parties.

a sharp disagreement

Emphasizes the intensity and clarity of the disagreement.

FAQs

What does "a bitter squabble" mean?

The phrase "a bitter squabble" refers to a heated and resentful argument or disagreement, typically one that causes animosity between the parties involved.

How can I use "a bitter squabble" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company's restructuring led to "a bitter squabble" between the management and the union" to indicate a contentious and unpleasant dispute.

What can I say instead of "a bitter squabble"?

Alternatives include "a heated dispute", "a fierce argument", or "an acrimonious conflict". Each option offers a slightly different nuance in describing the disagreement.

Is "a bitter squabble" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "a bitter squabble" leans toward a more neutral tone, suitable for news reporting or descriptive writing, but it is not particularly formal. In highly formal contexts, consider using "a contentious disagreement".