C’était une bataille rangée = It was a pitched battle.
Cet argument est son cheval de bataille = That argument is his stronghold; That is his great argument.
Bateau
Arriver en trois bateaux = To come with great fuss, in great state, with unnecessary ceremony.
[This expression is usually used sarcastically; it originates from great personages or rich merchant-men being accompanied by ships of war. Compare Rabelais, i. 16, and La Fontaine, Fables, ix. 3. Le léopard et le singe qui gagnent de l’argent à la foire.]
Bâton
Il travaille à bâtons rompus = He works by fits and starts.
Conversation à bâtons rompus = Desultory talk.
Il cherchait à nous mettre des bâtons dans les roues = He tried to put a spoke in our wheel.