go toe-to-toe

go toe-to-toe

To engage in direct conflict (with someone or each other), possibly in close quarters. Adam and Joe are going toe-to-toe out in the schoolyard! I almost got hit with a punch as I walked by! The literary magazine and the science club are going toe-to-toe for extra funding this year.
See also: go
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go toe to ˈtoe

(American English) fight or compete with somebody directly: I am not sure we could go toe to toe with them and win.
See also: go, toe
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • go toe to toe
  • go toe to toe with someone
  • go toe-to-toe with (someone)
  • toe-to-toe
  • stub
  • stub (one's) toe
  • stub (one's) toe on (something)
  • toe
  • stub toe against
  • stub (one's) toe against (something)
References in periodicals archive
Liverpool did win the Champions League, though, and are expected to go toe-to-toe with City again this season.
Spence, the unbeaten IBF welterweight champion, and Porter, the current WBC titleholder, go toe-to-toe on September 28 at Staples Center in Los Angeles and Pacquiao plans to be at ringside.
I've said it all year, when we play to our best we think we can go toe-to-toe against any team in Super League.
MAT Sadler has warned Coventry City that Shrewsbury Town are ready to "go toe-to-toe" with any side in League One at home, ahead of the tomorrow's meeting between the sides.
Stubbs bemoaned his side's failure to go toe-to-toe with their opponents as they lost out 2-0 at the hands of last season's Championship rivals.
The New Zealander will go toe-to-toe with Whyte for the vacant WBO International Heavyweight title at the O2 Arena.
GLENAVON will go toe-to-toe with a Manchester United legend and Champions League winner in tonight's Europa League clash with Molde FK at Mourneview Park (7.45pm).
We have to be willing to go toe-to-toe with Wigan for as long as it takes to earn the win.
"This time around we know how to manage the key moments and we have the confidence to go toe-to-toe with Europe's best in the knowledge that we have what it takes to beat them."
"We tried to go toe-to-toe with them in midfield and I thought we matched them.
"We don't want to go toe-to-toe with South Africa because that's what they want to do.
| Batman and Superman will go toe-to-toe in the new Dawn of Justice film, out this month
For those of you as confused about the sport as the Yanks are about cricket, here is your chance to watch a potential classic as, for the second year running, statistically the two best teams in the league go toe-to-toe in a titanic battle between the best offense (Patriots) and defense (defending champions Seahawks).
London, Nov 25 ( ANI ): Former England player Ian Botham has said that there is no hiding place in an Ashes series Down Under and England must be brave and go toe-to-toe with Australia if they are to retain Ashes.
THE Champions League begins with a bang tonight as two Premier League teams go toe-to-toe with Bundesliga opponents, writes Mark Langdon.