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."
inseparable
duke it out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To fight or compete intensely with someone in order to settle a dispute or determine a winner.
In plain English
To have a big fight or competition with someone until there is a clear winner.
What does "duke it out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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.
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Dukes' is American slang for fists, so 'duke it out' literally means to settle something with fists.
Actually means
To have a big fight or competition with someone until there is a clear winner.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "duke it out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
competitors rivals candidates court finals championship negotiating table
How to conjugate "duke it out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "duke it out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "duke it out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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