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

Experts warn, however, that the proposal runs up against geological and economic realities.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Allbirds’ products also ran up against quality issues, like holes in the shoes.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

“Discounters are in this really tricky spot, where price is paramount, but they’re up against the likes of Walmart,” Moran said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Here is how the rupture stacks up against past shocks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

She leaned against her cane with one hand, but the other hand, stained with peat, was up against the cottage doorway, trembling the slightest bit.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

Related Words

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