running battle

plural running battles

1. A fight that moves, with attacks occurring in various places.

   But that's a running battle down Rossville Street!

   2015, Greg McLaughlin, Stephen Baker, The British Media and Bloody Sunday

   2 more examples

   A ferocious running battle now developed between the Heinkels and their escort and the Spitfires and Hurricanes of 72, 605, 41 and 79 Squadrons.

   2010, Richard Hough, Denis Richards, The Battle of Britain, page 174

   At the battle of Oriskany on August 6, 1777, Native American forces sprang their ambush on passing militia too soon, resulting in a ferocious running battle through surrounding woodland.

   2021, Robbie MacNiven, Battle Tactics of the American Revolution, page 24

2. A conflict that continues over a long period of time, usually with periodic eruptions of fighting.

   Prue delivers herself of a capsule account of her running battle with the barons of Big Pharma.

   2019, John le Carré, Agent Running in the Field

   2 more examples

   Not only did they not get on, but they also had a constant running battle which had become increasingly bitter over time.

   2007, Belinda Brewin, Trouble Brewin - A True Story of Sex, Murder, Love and Betrayal

   I have fought a running battle with medicine for much of my career. I have wanted to leave it for poetry.

   2016, Glenn Colquhoun, Late Love