toe-to-toe

adjective or adverb

: slugging it out at or as if at close range
a toe-to-toe confrontation over the new policy

Examples of toe-to-toe in a Sentence

mom-and-pop grocery stores are usually wildly outmatched when they go toe-to-toe with large chain stores
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Auckland are accustomed to being the imposing team and somewhat naively set up in their usual 4-3-3 formation against Bayern Munich, ready to go toe-to-toe with the German champions. Elias Burke, New York Times, 20 June 2025 Even so, some Democrats argue the party also needs to stand toe-to-toe with Trump. James Oliphant, USA Today, 19 June 2025 None of it fazed Al Hilal, which went toe-to-toe with the Spanish soccer giants all afternoon on Wednesday, and came away with a surprising 1-1 draw in each team’s opening match in the Club World Cup. Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025 The food and beverage industry is full of men, and Anne would go toe-to-toe with the best of them. Michael Nied, People.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for toe-to-toe

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toe-to-toe was circa 1942

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Cite this Entry

“Toe-to-toe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toe-to-toe. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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