Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun UK, humorous, idiomatic A
catty squabble .
Etymologies
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
In British slang a fight where the protagonists are unable or unwilling to seriously hurt each other is commonly refered to as a handbag fight, in reference to the way girls fight by hitting each other with their handbags. Handbags at dawn is therefore a combination of the above with an allusion to 'pistols at dawn' style duelling to describe a conflict brought about by a perceived slight or offense to one's honour but which is nevertheless unlikely to result in any serious injury.
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Examples
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vendingmachine commented on the word handbags at dawn
Ruth Buzzi meant business with her handbag.
July 17, 2015