breaking one's lance

Verb

break one's lance (third-person singular simple present breaks one's lance, present participle breaking one's lance, simple past broke one's lance, past participle broken one's lance)

1. (idiomatic) To engage in an honorable fight.
   • Then you have Sweden, too, burning with desire to break a lance with Russia on the question of Polish independence.1848 Feb. 8th, 23rd, March 1st, 17th, House of Commons, The Debates on motion for papers, with a view to the impeachment of the right hon. Henry J. Temple Viscount Palmerston, page 14