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duke it out

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To have a big fight or competition with someone until there is a clear winner.

Literal meaning: 'Dukes' is American slang for fists, so 'duke it out' literally means to settle something with fists.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To engage in a physical fight in order to settle a dispute.

"The two boys decided to duke it out in the schoolyard rather than talk it over."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To compete fiercely or argue intensely in order to reach a resolution or determine a winner.

"The two companies duked it out in court for years over the patent rights."

"The two candidates are expected to duke it out in a final televised debate."

— Common formulation in American political journalism; representative usage.
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used both literally for physical fighting and figuratively for intense competition (sports, business, politics). The 'it' is fixed — the phrase cannot be separated. Chiefly American English, but understood in British English. Common in sports and political journalism.

Commonly used with

competitors rivals candidates court finals championship negotiating table

Forms

Base
duke it out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dukes it out
he/she/it
Past simple
duked it out
yesterday
Past participle
duked it out
have + pp
-ing form
duking it out
continuous

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