Meaning: This witty and satirical definition of "battle" comes from Ambrose Bierce, a renowned American journalist and satirist known for his sharp wit and incisive commentary on the social and political issues of his time. Bierce's quote humorously captures the essence of political conflict and the often contentious nature of political discourse. In this definition, he cleverly portrays the act of "untying a political knot" as a metaphor for resolving political disputes, and he humorously suggests that sometimes, the only way to resolve such disputes is through the use of force or aggression, symbolized by "untying with the teeth."

Ambrose Bierce was a prolific writer and journalist, best known for his satirical works and his sharp observations of human nature and society. Born in 1842, Bierce's career as a journalist and writer spanned several decades, and his writings often reflected his cynicism and skepticism towards the institutions and conventions of his time. His most famous work, "The Devil's Dictionary," is a collection of satirical definitions of various words, and it is in this work that the quote in question can be found.

In the context of Bierce's larger body of work, this definition of "battle" is characteristic of his biting wit and his ability to use humor to critique the political and social realities of his era. By framing the act of political conflict as "untying a knot," Bierce subtly highlights the complexity and entanglement of political issues, and by suggesting that the "knot" cannot be untied with the "tongue," he implies the limitations of diplomacy and rhetoric in resolving certain disputes.

Furthermore, the use of the phrase "untying with the teeth" adds a physical and visceral dimension to the act of battle, underscoring the raw and primal nature of political conflict. Bierce's choice of words here is deliberate, as it conveys the idea that sometimes, political disputes require a more forceful and aggressive approach to be resolved, and that mere words or diplomacy may not always suffice.

Overall, Bierce's definition of "battle" encapsulates his distinctive style of satire and his keen insight into the nature of political discourse. Through this definition, he offers a humorous and thought-provoking commentary on the dynamics of power, conflict, and negotiation in the political arena. It serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of Bierce's work and his ability to shed light on the timeless complexities of human behavior and societal interactions.

In conclusion, Ambrose Bierce's definition of "battle" as "A method of untying with the teeth a political knot that would not yield to the tongue" is a testament to his wit, insight, and ability to use humor to critique the political and social realities of his time. Through this definition, he offers a clever and incisive commentary on the nature of political conflict and the limitations of rhetoric and diplomacy in resolving disputes. Bierce's enduring legacy as a satirist and social commentator continues to resonate, and his work serves as a timeless source of inspiration and reflection on the complexities of human behavior and societal dynamics.