mano a mano

[mah-naw ah mah-naw, mah-noh uh mah-noh]

noun

plural

manos a manos 

1. (italics),  a corrida in which two matadors alternate in fighting two or three bulls each.

2. a direct confrontation or conflict; head-on competition; duel.

adjective

1. being or resembling such a confrontation.

   a mano a mano struggle in the courtroom between two superb criminal lawyers.

adverb

1. in direct competition or rivalry.

   a brash newcomer in tennis taking on the reigning champion mano a mano.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mano a mano¹

< Spanish: on an equal footing, without advantage (to either of two contestants); literally, hand to hand