up against
The phrase "up against" is commonly used to describe facing opposition, challenges, or difficulties.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(informal)Facing a difficult situation or challenge.
Example
- The company is up against financial difficulties due to the economic downturn.
B2Competition
(informal)In direct competition or conflict with someone or something.
Example
- The team was up against their arch-rivals in the championship game.
B1Physical
(neutral)Positioned close to or in contact with a surface or object.
Example
- The chair is up against the wall.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "up against":
hit up againstover againstgo againstset againstbear againstpush up againstin face ofin the face ofup forturn againststand up togive againstfront upbutt upup in armsmake head againstfight uphead to headmatch upagainst the graingo up for