Where Greek met Greek?

The phrase "where Greek met Greek" is an idiom meaning "where the real fighting begins" or "where the toughest competition is found".

It originates from the ancient Greek wars, where the fiercest battles were fought between Greek city-states. The phrase emphasizes the intensity and skill involved in these conflicts.

Here's a breakdown of why this idiom arose:

* Constant Conflict: Ancient Greece was characterized by frequent warfare between city-states.

* Skillful Warriors: Greek hoplites, the heavily armed infantry, were renowned for their tactical brilliance and physical prowess.

* Internal Rivalries: Battles between Greek cities were particularly fierce due to cultural and political rivalries.

Therefore, the saying "where Greek met Greek" became a shorthand for a highly competitive and challenging situation.

The idiom is still used today to describe situations where individuals or groups with similar abilities and determination clash, regardless of their actual ethnicity.