rough and tumble
noun/ˌrʌf ən ˈtʌmbl/
/ˌrʌf ən ˈtʌmbl/
[uncountable, singular]- rough and tumble (of something) a situation in which people compete with each other and are aggressive in order to get what they want
- the rough and tumble of politics
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- noisy and slightly violent behaviour when children or animals are playing together
- The kittens were engaged in a little rough and tumble.
Word Originearly 19th cent.: originally boxing slang.
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rough and tumble