close-quarters combat; head-on confrontation
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesidiom
to engage in hand-to-hand combat with short weapons
literaryOriginally a military term describing close-quarters fighting with swords, daggers, or spears.
The two armies engaged in hand-to-hand combat at the city gate with battle cries shaking the heavens.
The soldiers met the enemy in close combat and engaged in fierce hand-to-hand fighting.
idiom
to confront directly; to engage in intense face-to-face struggle
formalMetaphorical usage describing direct confrontation in debates, negotiations, or competitions. Often implies a clash of strong opposing views.
The representatives of both sides confronted each other directly at the meeting, with neither side willing to give ground.
In this debate, the two candidates went head-to-head, directly opposing each other point for point.
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At the negotiating table, both sides engaged in intense confrontation over pricing issues.