free-for-all
/ˈfriːfərɔːl
/noun
A disorganized or unrestricted situation or event in which everyone may take part, especially a fight, discussion, or trading market: a free-for-all on the topic ‘Woman and Writing’...
- The free-for-all was an event where the clowns fought each other with oversized mauls for ten minutes.
- The roundabout had no markings before and sometimes could be a bit of a free-for-all, but everyone was used to it and I never heard of any crashes there.
- Since just about anyone can make a citizen's arrest, many situations quickly devolve into free-for-alls.
Synonyms
brawl, fight, scuffle, tussle, struggle, battle, confrontation, clash, altercation, fray, fracas, melee, rumpus, riot, commotion, disturbance;
breach of the peace;
Scottish rammy, swedge;
Irish, North American, & Australian donnybrook
informal dust-up, scrap, set-to, shindy, shindig
British informal punch-up, bust-up, ruck, barney
British informal, Football afters
North American informal brannigan
Australian/New Zealand informal stoush
Law, dated affray
rare broil, bagarre