pitched battle

noun2

1. •
   A battle which opposing forces anticipate and commit to fighting; a sustained, intense and confrontational fight.

   • Have I not in a pitched battle heard / Loud 'larums, neighing steeds, and trumpets' clang? — 1590
2. •
   An intense, rancorous argument or confrontation.

   • At every post where we changed horses and drivers, we had a pitched battle with the driver for more money than we had been told was the regular rate. — 1889