head-to-head

American  

[hed-tuh-hed] / ˈhɛd təˈhɛd /

adjective

1. in direct confrontation, opposition, or competition.

   a head-to-head battle between the two companies.

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head-to-head British  

adjective

1. in direct competition

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noun

1. a competition involving two people, teams, etc

Etymology

Origin of head-to-head

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Speaking at an event in Edinburgh, Sarwar challenged Swinney to a series of head-to-head debates in every region of Scotland in the run-up to the election.

From BBC

Wins by Tampa Bay and Atlanta would create a three-team logjam at 8-9 that would be decided by a head-to-head results tie-breaker -- which would send Carolina into the playoffs even with a defeat.

From Barron's

That’s motivation for me, I know I am going head-to-head with him, but the opportunity to go against the No. 1 team in the nation, sign me up,” Simpson said.

From Los Angeles Times

And the joint-leaders of the NFC South -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers -- go head-to-head, with the winner strongly placed to extend their season into January.

From Barron's

“But the one metric we had to fall back on ... was the head-to-head.”

From Los Angeles Times