go to the mat

Idioms

Fight until one side or another is victorious, as in The governor said he'd go to the mat for this bill. This term comes from wrestling and evokes the holding of an opponent when both contestants are down on the mat, the padded floor-covering used in matches. It has been used figuratively since about 1900.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Were there ever things that you had to really go to the mat to fight for or that actually didn't make it?

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2023

“I will go to the mat to get rid of this cap,” Pollet said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2023

While you’re at it, decide what you are willing to go to the mat for.

From Washington Post • Nov. 25, 2019

Canada isn't likely to have a major issue on the new auto rules, but is expected to go to the mat on at least two U.S. demands.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2018

“I’m prepared to go to the mat with any critic who holds the contrary,” he assured her.

From The Law of Hemlock Mountain by Lundsford, Hugh

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023