pit against

Idioms and Phrases

Set in direct opposition or competition, as in The civil war pitted brother against brother . This idiom alludes to setting fighting cocks or dogs against one another in a pit. [Mid-1700s]

Example Sentences

These arguments keep reviving because they give smarmy politicians and pundits female stereotypes to pit against each other without anybody stepping up to solve the underlying issues.

From Salon

He ousted fellow GOP Rep. David McKinley in the 2022 primary when the men were pit against one another after West Virginia lost a congressional seat, though Mr. Trump endorsed Mr. Mooney that go-around.

From Washington Times

As more women entered the genre, some were uniting on hit records such as “Ladies Night,” while others were pit against each other.

From Seattle Times

Bucks coach Don Nelson, recently a Celtic and well involved in much of Boston’s physical approach over the years to stopping the rival center — especially in those ’74 playoffs — had a top draft choice to pit against Abdul-Jabbar in that opener.

From Los Angeles Times

Pit against one another, they prove to be their father’s children, in both their business acumen and ethical flexibility.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• break up
• differ
• separate
• split
• vary