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fight it out

B2 informal transitive
In simple words

To solve a disagreement or decide a winner by fighting or competing until someone wins.

Literal meaning: To fight until the conflict is resolved (out = completed).

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To resolve a dispute or determine a winner through direct competition, fighting, or argument.

"The two candidates were left to fight it out in the final debate."

2 B2 informal

To engage in a prolonged struggle or physical fight until one side is victorious.

"Rather than negotiate, the two gangs decided to fight it out in the alley."

Usage notes

Always used with 'it' as the object — the 'it' refers to the conflict or competition. Very common in sports journalism and competitive contexts. Can be used literally (physical fight) or figuratively (competitive situation). Often used in the phrase 'left to fight it out' or 'let them fight it out'.

Commonly used with

rivals competitors teams candidates contenders title

Forms

Base
fight it out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fights it out
he/she/it
Past simple
fought it out
yesterday
Past participle
fought it out
have + pp
-ing form
fighting it out
continuous

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