"Battle, n., A method of untying with the teeth a political knot that would not yield to the tongue"

This quote by Ambrose Bierce is a metaphor for the concept that often political problems can be so complicated and challenging to resolve that it can seem like a difficult task. The quote recommends that when confronted with a political knot that can not be untied with words, it might be essential to resort to battle, or physical force, in order to resolve the concern. This quote implies that in some cases the only method to solve a political problem is through physical dispute, which is a sobering thought. It likewise suggests that political concerns can be so intricate and challenging to solve that it can seem like an impossible task. This quote is a suggestion that often the only method to deal with a political concern is through physical force, and that it is very important to be aware of this possibility.