pit against

1. Set in direct opposition or competition, as in The civil war pitted brother against brother. This idiom alludes to setting fighting cocks or dogs against one another in a pit. [Mid-1700s]

Example Sentences

“It is sad that the cannabis industry is being pit against social programs, childhood programs and educational programs,” said Jerred Kiloh, president of United Cannabis Business Assn. and owner of the Higher Path dispensary in Sherman Oaks.

From Los Angeles Times

These arguments keep reviving because they give smarmy politicians and pundits female stereotypes to pit against each other without anybody stepping up to solve the underlying issues.

From Salon

He ousted fellow GOP Rep. David McKinley in the 2022 primary when the men were pit against one another after West Virginia lost a congressional seat, though Mr. Trump endorsed Mr. Mooney that go-around.

From Washington Times

As more women entered the genre, some were uniting on hit records such as “Ladies Night,” while others were pit against each other.

From Seattle Times

Bucks coach Don Nelson, recently a Celtic and well involved in much of Boston’s physical approach over the years to stopping the rival center — especially in those ’74 playoffs — had a top draft choice to pit against Abdul-Jabbar in that opener.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• break up 
• differ 
• separate 
• split 
• vary