up against

Idioms  

1. Contending or confronted with, as in I'm up against a strong opponent in this election. This idiom is also put as up against it, which means “in serious difficulty, especially in desperate financial straits.” For example, When the collection agency called again, we knew we were up against it. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

"I went up against one of the greatest fighters of this generation and I'm glad I have the experience of sharing the ring with him twice."

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Much like Wintour, Bolton and so many working in media, Miranda and her cohorts go up against a handful of billionaires who have the power to decide Runway’s fate.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

The 7-foot Ayton will be going up against 7-1 Chet Holmgren and 7-foot Isaiah Hartenstein.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

On currency markets, the yen held up against the dollar a day after surging on speculation Japanese authorities had stepped in to provide support.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

He thrust the receiver up against my ear but kept his own hand on it.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• anti
• antithetical
• averse
• disputed
• hostile
• inimical
• opposing