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

“If I needed a lawyer to go to the mat for me, that’s the lawyer I would choose,” he said.

From New York Times • Sep. 19, 2022

Clay restrained a good, healthy impulse to pick a row with him and go to the mat with the ex-prize-fighter.

From The Big-Town Round-Up by Raine, William MacLeod