come up against

1. Encounter, especially an obstacle or problem. For example, I've never come up against anything I can't handle, or Dealing with Malcolm is like coming up against a brick wall.

Example Sentences

When bumble bees come up against invasive Argentine ants at feeding sites, they may win a direct confrontation but still return to the colony with less food.

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On Sunday, Guardiola and City come up against a Liverpool side that they have forged a classic rivalry with, as one of the two teams have won the Premier League in each of the past eight seasons.

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The chance to come up against the former Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund boss is one that Bellamy relishes.

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Now at Lille and fresh from scoring his first goal for the club, Ethan is set to come up against PSG on Sunday, and will hope to make the headlines against the club where he started his career.

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And Union's 3-1 win against PSV in their first Champions League fixture did not come as a surprise to Sykes last month because his side are "not afraid to come up against anyone".

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Related Words

• accost 
• defy 
• encounter 
• meet 
• oppose 
• repel 
• resist