compete strength; work against; crucial moment
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesverb
to compete in strength; to vie; to contest
informalOften implies a private or unspoken competition. Can be used with objects or as intransitive.
They were chasing each other, secretly competing against one another.
These two athletes always like to compete against each other during training.
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Stop competing with him; your skill levels are about the same.
verb
to oppose; to be at odds with; to work against
informalDescribes a situation where things or people are stubbornly working against each other, often frustratingly.
The weather is really being contrary; the more you need rain, the less it rains.
Don't be at odds with your parents; listen to their opinions more.
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This old computer is starting to act up against me again.
verb
to be at a crucial point; to require maximum effort
informalDescribes a critical juncture or moment when all one's strength or resources must be mobilized.
Right now is the 'Three Summers' farming period, a time when maximum effort is required.
In the last five minutes of the game, both sides were giving it their all.
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The project is in its final stages; everyone is pushing hard to meet the deadline.