A minor skirmish or small-scale clash, typically a brief physical confrontation in a conflict.
国境付近で小競り合いが発生したと報じられた。
It was reported that a skirmish broke out near the border.
部隊同士の小競り合いは夕方には収まった。
The skirmish between the units subsided by evening.
漁業権をめぐり2隻の船が小競り合いを起こした。
Two vessels had a minor clash over fishing rights.
A petty quarrel, squabble, or minor argument — a small-scale dispute without major consequences.
会議中に意見の違いから小競り合いが起きたが、すぐに収まった。
A minor argument arose during the meeting over differing opinions, but it was soon resolved.
兄弟の小競り合いは、夕食のあとには忘れられた。
The brothers' squabble was forgotten after dinner.
近所で犬の散歩をめぐる小競り合いが続いている。
There have been recurring petty disputes in the neighborhood over walking dogs.