force against force; head-on confrontation; no room for compromise
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesphrase
hard objects colliding with hard objects
Describes a literal physical impact between two hard substances, often implying damage to both parties.
These two stones collided hard against hard, and as a result, both shattered.
When steel plates hit steel plate hard against hard, the noise is extremely loud.
verb
to confront force with force; to adopt a tough stance against toughness; to allow absolutely no room for maneuver or compromise
neutralCommonly used in contexts of negotiations, conflicts, competitions, or interpersonal dynamics where both parties are unyielding. The phrase often implies a high-stakes situation where compromise is impossible.
When dealing with this kind of person, you have to fight force with force and cannot back down.
This is a head-on confrontation where neither side is willing to give way.
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He has a stubborn personality and likes to go head-to-head with people.
This negotiation is a hard-line confrontation with absolutely no room for maneuver.