Synonyms

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.

go to the mat

But it appears it’s only this one retired congressman who is willing to go to the mat publicly at this point.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 7, 2024

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

McBee: Can I go to the mat for someone else’s pick?

From New York Times ● Jun. 22, 2023

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

From Washington Post ● Nov. 25, 2019

Sure I am, but I have to go to the mat when they commence to dish out this Emporia humor.

From The Sorrows of a Show Girl by Kenneth McGaffey

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