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."
fight it out
B2 informal transitive
To settle a disagreement, competition, or conflict by fighting or competing until one side wins.
In plain English
To solve a disagreement or decide a winner by fighting or competing until someone wins.
What does "fight it out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fight until the conflict is resolved (out = completed).
Actually means
To solve a disagreement or decide a winner by fighting or competing until someone wins.
Usage tip
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'.
Words that pair with "fight it out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rivals competitors teams candidates contenders title
How to conjugate "fight it out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "fight it out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fight it out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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