Phrase guide

go to the mat

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To continue to struggle or fight until either victorious or defeated.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, idiomatic

Examples

  • He was ready to go to the mat to keep the old color scheme.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

A reference to wrestling.