toe-to-toe

adjective or adverb

ˈtō-ˌtə-ˈtō 

: slugging it out at or as if at close range

a toe-to-toe confrontation over the new policy

Synonyms

• eyeball-to-eyeball
• face-to-face
• head-on
• head-to-head
• mano a mano
• one-on-one

Examples of toe-to-toe in a Sentence

mom-and-pop grocery stores are usually wildly outmatched when they go toe-to-toe with large chain stores

Recent Examples on the Web

For the first time in four years, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will go toe-to-toe on the debate stage. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 25 June 2024

In one scene, Lance goes toe-to-toe with an intimidating CIA official played by Woody Harrelson. —Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 21 June 2024

Now, after a stunning upset of Pakistan and a close loss to India in which the U.S went toe-to-toe with some of the greatest cricketers in the world, the national team — along with its breakout star Saurabh Netravalkar — has captured the attention of cricket diehards and newcomers alike. —Becky Sullivan, NPR, 12 June 2024

For the second time in less than a week, the Hartford Yard Goats went toe-to-toe with one of the best pitchers in major league baseball. —Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1942, in the meaning defined above