go to the mat

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But it appears it’s only this one retired congressman who is willing to go to the mat publicly at this point.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 7, 2024

McGuire gave labor unions credit on Monday, saying that “in California, we go to the mat for the rights of workers.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2024

Were there ever things that you had to really go to the mat to fight for or that actually didn't make it?

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2023

“Every single year I go to the mat to boost funding for the Child Care Development Block Grant — I know how much it helps working parents and kids,” Senator Murray said.

From New York Times • Apr. 8, 2022

He was ready to go to the mat.

From Immortal Youth A Study in the Will to Create by Price, Lucien