go toe to toe with

VERB

take on

Synonyms

WEAK

brave buck call out confront dare defy denounce dispute face-off go eyeball to eyeball with go one on one with go up against hang in insist upon investigate invite competition make a stand object to question stand up to throw down the gauntlet

Antonyms

WEAK

refuse reject

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.

“You want to go toe to toe with Disney and Sony?” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Djokovic is not afraid to go toe to toe with hostile fans, using their jibes to fuel his relentless quest for glory and showing the depth of his competitiveness.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

Yeah, we can go toe to toe with the Americans!’”

From Slate • Jan. 19, 2024

If he had his best team available, I would encourage Postecoglou to go toe to toe with City, the way he probably wants to.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2023

Nick Saban and Bryce Young both have a bone to pick with Kirby Smart and Georgia, and Ohio State’s defense hasn’t made up the ground to go toe to toe with Alabama’s offense.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2022

go toe to toe with

Example Sentences

Related Words