go to war

declare, begin, or see active service in a war

宣战，进入战争状态；从军作战

go to the wars

(archaic)serve as a soldier

(古)当兵

have been in the wars

(informal)have been hurt or injured

(非正式)受过伤

war clouds

a threatening situation of instability in international relations

战争阴云，国际紧张局势

the war clouds were looming.

国际紧张局势迫在眉睫。

war of attrition

a prolonged war or period of conflict during which each side seeks to gradually wear out the other by a series of small-scale actions

消耗战

war of nerves

war of words

a prolonged debate conducted by means of the spoken or printed word

唇枪舌剑

war to end all wars

a war, especially the First World War, regarded as making subsequent wars unnecessary

结束所有战争的战争（尤指第一次世界大战）

at war

In an active state of conflict or contention.

处于交战状态：处于一种冲突或争论的活跃状态