face off
phr. v..phr. v.. to start a fight, argument, or competition with someone.
phr. v.. to confront an opponent or rival in a direct contest or argument; often used in sports or political contexts to describe the start of a confrontation.
The two teams face off at the stadium tonight.
The candidates are scheduled to face off in a televised debate next Tuesday to discuss economic policy.
As the deadline approached, the union leaders and the management prepared to face off across the negotiating table for one final session.
often used with the preposition 'against' when an object follows.
the term originates from ice hockey, where the referee drops the puck between two players to start play; this physical image helps students visualize the direct confrontation.
They faced off each other.They faced off against each other.when used with an object, the preposition 'against' is usually required to link the verb to the opponent.