up against
Related to up against: come up against, up against the wall
up against (something)
Having or being likely to face serious problems, stresses, or difficulties. Each year, more and more families are up against debt going into the holiday season. Sorry I haven't been in touch recently, I've just really been up against it in work the last few weeks. This team is undefeated, so we're up against our biggest challenge this season.
See also: up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
*up against someone or something
in opposition to someone or something, as in a contest. (*Typically: be ~; come ~; go ~; run ~; team ~.) Let's team up against Paul and Tony in the footrace. We came up against a very strong team.
See also: up
*up against something
1. Fig. resting firmly against something. (*Typically: be ~; place something ~.) The car is up against the back of the garage! Back out a little!
2. Fig. in conflict with something; facing something as a barrier. (Fig. on {2}. *Typically: be ~; go ~.) l am up against some serious problems.
See also: up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
up against
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]
See also: up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
up against
Confronted with; facing: up against a strong opponent.
See also: up
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- up against (something)
- up against it
- be up against it
- all right on the night
- cards are stacked against
- odds are against one
- the cards are stacked against (someone or something)
- the cards/odds are stacked against somebody/something
- the odds are against (someone or something)
- the odds are stacked against (someone or something)