To struggle intensely with a difficult problem, decision, or opponent.
To fight hard with something that is very difficult — like a tough question or a heavy box.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To struggle physically with a person or thing, using your body to overpower or control them.
"The security guard had to wrestle with the intruder before police arrived."
He wrestled with the angel until the break of day.
— Genesis 32:24, The Bible (King James Version)
To think long and hard about a difficult problem, decision, or moral question.
"She spent weeks wrestling with the decision to leave her job."
I have wrestled with God and with men, and I have prevailed.
— Genesis 32:28, The Bible (King James Version)
To try hard to manage or control something awkward or unwieldy.
"He was wrestling with a huge suitcase on the narrow staircase."
To physically grapple or fight with someone or something using your body.
To fight hard with something that is very difficult — like a tough question or a heavy box.
Used both literally (physical wrestling) and figuratively (mental or moral struggle). The figurative use is far more common in everyday speech and writing. Common in journalism and academic writing when describing complex issues.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "wrestle with" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.