Score with awkward truths in spirited exchange (3-3-6)
I believe the answer is:
cut-and-thrust
'spirited exchange' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'score with awkward truths' is the wordplay.
'score' becomes 'cut' (I've seen this before).
'with' becomes 'and'.
'awkward' indicates anagramming the letters.
'truths' is an anagram of 'thrust'.
'cut'+'and'+'thrust'='CUT-AND-THRUST'
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cut-and-thrust that I've seen before include "Lively and competitive environment" , "Lively debate, fight" , "Spirited exchange of opinions in debate" .)