The phrase "frayed relationship" means that a relationship between two people or groups is starting to show signs of strain or tension. Full definition
Defending a newspaper empire amid scandal, splitting a global media conglomerate into two public companies, enduring a high - profile divorce, and struggling to repair frayed relationships with grown children — it's been a trying few years for Rupert Murdoch. (fortune.com)
A series of behind - the - scenes «slights and arguments» have frayed the relationship between Obama and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Wall Street Journal reported this week. (politico.com)
The Yonkers mayor and the Democratic leader in the Senate have had an at - times frayed relationship, one source noted. (nystateofpolitics.com)