up against

Idioms and Phrases

Contending or confronted with, as in I'm up against a strong opponent in this election . This idiom is also put as up against it , which means “in serious difficulty, especially in desperate financial straits.” For example, When the collection agency called again, we knew we were up against it . [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

This isn't the first time Kane has gone on the front foot to the media, having spoken up against team criticism from pundits during Euro 2024.

From BBC

"It is tough when you are up against it and you need to shake that negative energy I guess and move on," the Bristol Bears prop added.

From BBC

Going up against a Goliath, they have a lot of strength to squish the Davids coming after them.”

From Los Angeles Times

To the influential prophet Lance Wallnau, Trump’s election means that Christians can now go up against the “gates of hell” in “the DOJ, in the government, in the IRS.”

From Slate

When Newcastle were up against it he went 'right, watch this'.

From BBC

Related Words

• anti
• antithetical
• averse
• disputed
• hostile
• inimical
• opposing