# go to the mat

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/go-to-the-mat
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- She is ready to go to the mat for her beliefs.
- The lawyer promised to go to the mat for his client during the difficult trial.
- Despite the overwhelming pressure from the board of directors, the manager decided to go to the mat for his team's original proposal.

## Origin

Derived from the sport of wrestling, in which the mat serves as the padded floor of the ring. The phrase describes the physical act of being forced onto the ground during a match or, conversely, engaging in a struggle that continues until one participant is pinned.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.