A spiteful exchange between two enemies each of whom seeks to injure the other.

It can be physical or verbal.
After a boundary dispute the croquet game degenerated into a needle-match.

It was clear across the hotel dining room that Rebecca and Susan were part-way through a needle-match. And I knew who would win. Susan was no match for Rebecca, with her mental agility and mordant wit.
by benbisley September 16, 2008
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