TOE-TO-TOE Definition & Meaning

toe-to-toe

[ toh-tuh-toh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

being in direct confrontation or opposition.

adverb

in a position or attitude of direct confrontation:
slugging it out toe-to-toe.

toe-to-toe

adverb

in one-to-one combat or in direct competition
there aren't many fighters willing to go toe-to-toe with him

adjective

(of battles, confrontations, or contests) involving two people or groups fighting with or competing against each other
a toe-to-toe battle

noun

a fight, confrontation, or contest between two people or groups

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of toe-to-toe¹

First recorded in 1925–30

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The Clippers have proven they can go toe-to-toe with elite teams and they’ve done so without coach Tyronn Lue, who has missed five of the last seven games because of back pain.

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There simply isn’t anyone else who could go toe-to-toe with him, other than himself.

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Popular opinion suggests Martin went toe-to-toe with the president and avoided any knockout blows.

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Though he didn’t utter a word, the chance to stand toe-to-toe with public defender Dan Fielding, played by actor John Larroquette, in front of a live studio audience was “unreal,” he told The Times.

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So what happens when he’s the little guy going toe-to-toe with someone who is physically much larger?

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