toe to toe

1 of 2

phrase

: facing one another

toe-to-toe

2 of 2

adjective or adverb

ˈtō-ˌtə-ˈtō 

: slugging it out at or as if at close range

a toe-to-toe confrontation over the new policy

Synonyms of toe to toe

Adjective or adverb

• head-to-head
• one-on-one
• head-on
• face-to-face
• eyeball-to-eyeball

Examples of toe to toe in a Sentence

Adjective or adverb

mom-and-pop grocery stores are usually wildly outmatched when they go toe-to-toe with large chain stores

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective or adverb

And now here stand the Heat, after a week of toe-to-toe against the Bulls and the Hawks, again tracking toward the play-in, as if inescapable. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026

Alabama presents another unique challenge, with its ability to go toe-to-toe with the Aggies on the offensive end. —Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026

Perhaps Kirk will convince her new pal to hop on stage at a heretofore undisclosed location and go toe-to-toe with Bad Bunny on February 8. —Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 29 Jan. 2026

The tables have turned for Ortega, who goes toe-to-toe with freshman guard Tim Gruenfeld in practices. —Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective Or Adverb

circa 1942, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for toe to toe

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau