be at each other's throats

Meaning

This expression describes two or more people who are arguing constantly, aggressively, and bitterly. It is used when a conflict has become intense, tense, and seemingly unending. The tone is casual and often expresses frustration or concern about the relationship.

Examples

• Ever since they started working on the project together, they've been at each other's throats.

  Ever since they started working on the project together, they've been at each other's throats.

• My roommates are at each other's throats over who should clean the kitchen.

  My roommates are at each other's throats over who should clean the kitchen.

• I hate going home for the holidays because my siblings are always at each other's throats.

  I hate going home for the holidays because my siblings are always at each other's throats.

• We used to be best friends, but lately, we've just been at each other's throats.

  We used to be best friends, but lately, we've just been at each other's throats.

• Can you two stop being at each other's throats for just five minutes?

  Can you two stop being at each other's throats for just five minutes?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ They are at their throats.

  ✓ They are at each other's throats.

  The idiom specifically requires 'each other's' to show reciprocal conflict. Using 'their' changes or ruins the meaning.

• ✗ They are at each other's throat.

  ✓ They are at each other's throats.

  The word 'throats' must be plural because it refers to the throats of multiple people involved in the argument.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Ever since the budget cuts, the marketing and sales teams have been ___.

  💡 arguing bitterly

  Show answer

  at each other's throats

• I don't know why they don't just break up; they are always ___.

  💡 constantly fighting

  Show answer

  at each other's throats