toe-to-toe

[toh-tuh-toh]

adjective

1. being in direct confrontation or opposition.

adverb

1. in a position or attitude of direct confrontation.

   slugging it out toe-to-toe.

toe-to-toe

adverb

1. in one-to-one combat or in direct competition

   there aren't many fighters willing to go toe-to-toe with him

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of toe-to-toe¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

I don't see 'Moysey' going toe-to-toe with us, because he's not stupid is he?

From BBC

If titles were decided on percentage of possession and number of passes then Rangers would be going toe-to-toe with Celtic right now, but it's tedious.

From BBC

"Now we believe we can go toe-to-toe with this India team and come out on top."

From BBC

Police officers rushed in screaming "drop the sword, drop the sword" as they stood toe-to-toe with him.

From BBC

Draper had battled back from losing the first set to take the second and then went toe-to-toe with his Czech opponent in the third.

From BBC