toe-to-toe

American  

[toh-tuh-toh] / ˈtoʊ təˈtoʊ /

adjective

1. being in direct confrontation or opposition.

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adverb

1. in a position or attitude of direct confrontation.

   slugging it out toe-to-toe.

toe-to-toe British  

adverb

1. in one-to-one combat or in direct competition

   there aren't many fighters willing to go toe-to-toe with him

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adjective

1. (of battles, confrontations, or contests) involving two people or groups fighting with or competing against each other

   a toe-to-toe battle

noun

1. a fight, confrontation, or contest between two people or groups

Etymology

Origin of toe-to-toe

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

toe-to-toe

It was during that time that Riley’s offense went toe-to-toe with Patterson’s defense on numerous occasions.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2026

The pair continued to go toe-to-toe, but when the tie-break arrived it was Zverev who raised the intensity, whizzing through seven points without reply to take the opener.

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026

He was a tough, burly defender, the sort of competitor they would need if they were going to go toe-to-toe with soccer’s mightiest superpowers in the World Cup.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2026

The real thrill for me is that not a lot of people get to go toe-to-toe with Jeff.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026

Swordsfolk go toe-to-toe against one another in single combat, fighting for the honor of impressing the High King and his Court.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black