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

“You want to go toe to toe with Disney and Sony?” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Djokovic is not afraid to go toe to toe with hostile fans, using their jibes to fuel his relentless quest for glory and showing the depth of his competitiveness.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

Champion Bill Plaschke goes toe to toe against challenger “Parky!”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2025

And I don't have a problem going toe to toe with these people and telling them they're wrong and what they're doing is wrong, because somebody's got to do it.

From Salon • May 17, 2025

From there she could move it from toe to toe, under and over.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry