Phrase guide

toe to toe

adv · 3 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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  • rhymes with -əʊ

1

adv

Meaning 1

Positioned facing another, with the toes touching.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Qualifier: literal

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adv

Meaning 2

At the same level as someone else.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, not-comparable

Examples

  • standing toe to toe

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: head to head

Antonyms: none provided

3

adv

Meaning 3

Against, in direct opposition.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Examples

  • go toe to toe with someone

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: head to head

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.