对立双方由于利益冲突而引发的激烈争论或法律纠纷battle of words; battle of saliva

• 几天来，双方的“口水战”已打得不亦乐乎。

  In the last few days, both sides have fought an intense battle of words.

• 近日，云南西双版纳州州长表示不会因为干旱取消泼水节，此事在网上掀起口水战。

  In the last few days, the head of Xishuangbanna Prefecture in Yunnan indicated that the Water Festival would not be called off because of the drought, which sparked heated debate on the Internet.