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

Talks repeatedly broke down, as he went toe-to-toe with Masayoshi Son, CEO of Sprint’s majority owner, SoftBank, and a famously tough negotiator.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

There was little to separate Zverev and De Jong in the opening set, with De Jong going toe-to-toe with the heavy-hitting German in the baseline exchanges while also showing attacking intent on the approach.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Going toe-to-toe with the Parisians over the long term, though, remains a tall order for a club which has readily embraced its underdog status.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Those tracking expert predictions leading up to the 98th Academy Awards know the competition to watch is between “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another,” going toe-to-toe in 11 categories.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

Stephanie squared up to Erin, her penny loafers toe-to-toe with Erin’s Frye boots.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan