come up against
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To meet a problem or a difficult person that is blocking your way.
Literal meaning: To move upward and make physical contact with something.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To encounter a difficult problem, barrier, or form of resistance during an effort or process.
"The researchers came up against several ethical obstacles when designing their study."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral
To face or compete against a strong opponent or adversary.
"In the final, they came up against a team that had not lost all season."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Typically used to describe encountering resistance or an unexpected obstacle. Common in both everyday and professional contexts. Usually implies the obstacle is significant and not easily bypassed.
Commonly used with
opposition resistance problem barrier difficulty wall
Forms
Base
come up against
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes up against
he/she/it
Past simple
came up against
yesterday
Past participle
come up against
have + pp
-ing form
coming up against
continuous
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