toe to toe

The phrase "toe to toe" is often used to describe situations of direct confrontation or competition, whether physical or metaphorical.

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Definition

B2Competition

(informal, figurative)In direct confrontation or competition with someone.

Example

  • The two teams went toe to toe in the final match.

B2Conflict

(informal, figurative)Engaged in a close and intense struggle or conflict.

Example

  • The politicians went toe to toe during the debate.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "toe to toe":

eyeball to eyeballhead to headshoulder to shoulderhead to toecheek by jowltoes upface to facemano a manoside by sidetoe dancehand in handnose to tailtoe the lineon tiptoeback to backtoe inin tandemarm in armto the deathtoe biteren faceclose quarters