1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To settle a dispute or difference by fighting or competing until a conclusion is reached.
"The two sides refused to negotiate and chose to fight out their differences in court."
separable
fight out
B2 neutral separable transitive
To settle or resolve a dispute, competition, or conflict by fighting or competing until a conclusion is reached.
In plain English
To settle an argument or competition by fighting or competing until there is a result.
What does "fight out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To compete intensely in a match or contest until a winner is determined.
"The two finalists fought out a thrilling draw before going to extra time."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fight a battle or conflict to its conclusion (out = to the end).
Actually means
To settle an argument or competition by fighting or competing until there is a result.
Usage tip
Often used with an object such as 'their differences', 'a dispute', or 'a battle'. Closely related to 'fight it out', but 'fight out' takes a more specific noun object rather than the placeholder 'it'. Common in both literal (physical) and figurative (competitive) contexts.
Words that pair with "fight out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
differences dispute battle rivalry conflict argument
How to conjugate "fight out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fight out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fights out
he/she/it
Past simple
fought out
yesterday
Past participle
fought out
have + pp
-ing form
fighting out
continuous
Hear "fight out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fight out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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