square off

verb

1. intr, adverb to assume a posture of offence or defence, as in boxing

Idioms and Phrases

Take a fighting stance, prepare to fight, as in As they squared off, the teacher came out and stopped them , or The ambassador said the two countries were squaring off . [First half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

The top two sharpshooters in NBA history squared off Monday night — Clippers three-point king James Harden and Golden State long-distance wonder Stephen Curry bringing a high level of excitement to the Intuit Dome.

From Los Angeles Times

As a mob stormed the Capitol in a failed attempt to overturn the 2020 election, Allred texted his pregnant wife, sent his love, then shucked his suit jacket and squared off to fight.

From Los Angeles Times

Rookies picked No. 1 and 2 square off, assuming Jayden Daniels can bounce back from his rib injury for the Commanders.

From Los Angeles Times

They will square off with the New York Yankees, who finished off the Cleveland Guardians in five games in the ALCS.

From Los Angeles Times

Most presidential candidates face each other three times, but Trump has refused to square off with Harris again.

From Salon

Related Words

• allow
• challenge
• confront
• deal with
• encounter
• endure
• experience
• fight
• meet
• oppose
• risk
• run into
• suffer
• take