go up against
B1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To compete or fight against someone who might be stronger or more powerful than you.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To enter into direct competition or conflict with someone or something, especially a formidable opponent.
"In the final, the young challenger will go up against the reigning world champion."
"We're going up against the best team in the conference."
— Common phrasing in sports press conferences; widely cited in US sports journalism.
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Common in sports journalism and political commentary. Implies a significant challenge or tough opponent. More common in American English but widely understood internationally.
Commonly used with
opponent champion team giant rival incumbent
Forms
Base
go up against
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes up against
he/she/it
Past simple
went up against
yesterday
Past participle
gone up against
have + pp
-ing form
going up against
continuous
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