face off
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To be in a competition or fight directly against someone.
Literal meaning: To turn and face each other directly.
Meanings
1 B2 informal
To compete directly against another person, team, or group in a contest or sporting event.
"The two finalists will face off on Saturday to decide the championship."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To have a direct and tense confrontation with someone, especially in a political or social conflict.
"Protesters faced off with police outside the government building for several hours."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Originally from ice hockey, where a 'face-off' is how play begins. Now widely used in sports, politics, and business to describe any direct confrontation. The noun 'face-off' is also very common. Predominantly American English but understood globally.
Commonly used with
rival opponent election debate championship adversary
Forms
Base
face off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
faces off
he/she/it
Past simple
faced off
yesterday
Past participle
faced off
have + pp
-ing form
facing off
continuous
Understand "face off" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "face off" on Looplines