an argument or a fight
The fiery player has had numerous run-ins with referees.
这名脾气暴躁的队员曾和裁判员发生过无数次争吵。
He had a run-in with the cops.
If you have a run-in with someone, you have a serious argument with them or you get into trouble with them:
I had a run-in with the boss/the law/the police yesterday.