Seven of Wands and Seven of Swords

A defence and a quiet removal. The Seven of Wands stands and fights; the Seven of Swords walks off with five blades and leaves two behind. The tradition reads the pair as a confrontation happening at the front while something is being taken at the back.

Associated with a conflict that is being conducted openly by one person and not by the other. The pair describes asymmetry rather than assigning blame.

Defending a position while somebody works around it. Frequently read for politics rather than for competence.

The Seven of Swords leaves two swords in the ground, so it is rarely a clean job. This pairing is more often read as a prompt to check the flank than as an accusation.