sparring partner
US /ˈspɑːr.ɪŋ ˌpɑːrt.nər/
UK /ˈspɑːr.ɪŋ ˌpɑːrt.nər/
1.
a person with whom one spars in training, especially in boxing or martial arts
:
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The boxer trained with his sparring partner every day.
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She needs a strong sparring partner to improve her technique.
2.
a person with whom one argues or debates, especially to sharpen one's own arguments or ideas
:
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He considers his colleague a valuable sparring partner for new ideas.
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The CEO often uses his advisors as sparring partners to test strategies.