mano a mano

American  

[mah-naw ah mah-naw, mah-noh uh mah-noh] / ˈmɑ nɔ ɑ ˈmɑ nɔ, ˈmɑ noʊ ə ˈmɑ noʊ /

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.

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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.

Etymology

Origin of mano a mano

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

Example Sentences

CEO Zuckerberg - whose social media platforms duke it out daily for advertising dollars - have been trading bluster about going mano a mano.

From Reuters • Jun. 22, 2023

“Larry had a really good contact run … where it was kind of mano a mano in the hole,” Staley said, “and he makes contact and falls forward two-and-a-half, three more yards.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2022

John Roberts was never one to go mano a mano against the President.

From Slate • Jun. 22, 2020

Because of this, it feels inevitable that the conflict between the brothers will be gloriously illustrated in a mano a mano battle.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2019

Reed and McIlroy, already with a memorable mano a mano duel in their past, telegraphed in word and deed that they are ready for each other.

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2018