UP AGAINST Meaning and
Definition
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Up against is a phrasal verb that refers to being faced with a difficult or challenging situation. It implies being confronted or encountering opposition, obstacles, or constraints that hinder progress or success.
When someone is up against something, they are in a position where they must contend with a particular problem, adversity, or an unfavorable circumstance. This phrase captures the notion that they are in a direct confrontation, putting their skills, knowledge, or resources to the test. It can denote a sense of being in a tight spot or having limited options.
The phrase "up against" is often used figuratively to describe a range of situations. For example, a person could be up against a tight deadline at work, indicating they have limited time to complete a task. In sports, teams might face a formidable opponent, suggesting they are up against a strong, challenging adversary. In personal relationships, someone might be up against their own insecurities or a difficult decision.
Overall, "up against" encapsulates the idea of encountering and wrestling with a particular challenge, often under challenging circumstances. It conveys a sense of pressure, requiring individuals to muster their efforts and resources to overcome or deal with the situation at hand.
Common Misspellings for UP AGAINST
Etymology of UP AGAINST
The phrase "up against" is a colloquial expression in English that originated in the mid-19th century. The etymology of this phrase can be understood by breaking it down into its constituent parts:
1. Up: In this context, "up" refers to a position or direction that is vertically higher than something else. It conveys the idea of moving towards or being in proximity to an object or obstacle.
2. Against: "Against" means in physical contact with or supported by something, or to be in opposition or confrontation with something or someone.
When combined, "up against" suggests being in proximity to or confronting an obstacle, challenge, or difficulty. It is often used to describe a situation where one is facing adversity or having to contend with a problem.
Idioms with the word UP AGAINST
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line up against
The idiom "line up against" typically refers to a situation where individuals or groups position themselves or take a stance in opposition to someone or something. It implies aligning oneself with others who share similar views or objectives to challenge or confront an opposing force or idea. This idiom can be used metaphorically to describe taking a united stand or joining a collective effort against a common adversary or disagreement.
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set up against
The idiom "set up against" means to place two or more things or people in competition or opposition to each other. It refers to the act of arranging a situation where two entities are directly compared or pitted against one another, often to determine superiority, advantages, or disadvantages.
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stand up against
To "stand up against" refers to the act of resisting or opposing something or someone, often in a confrontational or assertive manner. It implies taking a stand or defending a belief or principle despite potential opposition or adversity.
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up against the wall
The idiom "up against the wall" typically means being in a difficult or challenging situation with limited options or resources, often feeling trapped or cornered. It can also imply a sense of impending danger or a critical moment that requires immediate action or decision-making.
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be up against a brick wall
The idiom "be up against a brick wall" means encountering an obstacle or dilemma that seems impossible to overcome or find a solution for. It refers to a situation where all efforts and attempts to make progress or get desired results are met with resistance or a dead end.
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up against it
The idiom "up against it" means to be facing or experiencing a difficult or challenging situation, often with limited options or resources to solve the problem. It implies a feeling of being in a tight spot or under pressure.
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squash up against
The idiom "squash up against" refers to the act of forcefully pressing or squeezing oneself or something else tightly against a surface or object. It often conveys a sense of limited space, discomfort, or inconvenience due to the close proximity or lack of personal space.
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come up against (something)
The idiom "come up against (something)" refers to encountering a difficulty, obstacle, or opposition that one must face or deal with. It implies confronting or being confronted by a challenge or barrier that requires effort, skill, or perseverance to overcome.
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be up against
The idiom "be up against" means to face or confront a difficult or challenging situation or opponent. It implies being in a position where one must contend with obstacles, limitations, or adversity.
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come up against a brick wall
The idiom "come up against a brick wall" means to encounter an obstacle or problem that seems insurmountable or unyielding, preventing progress or advancement in a certain endeavor or situation. It implies facing a situation where there are no apparent solutions or ways to move forward.
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measure sm up against sm or sth
The idiom "measure someone up against someone or something" means to compare or evaluate someone's qualities, abilities, or achievements against someone else or something similar in order to form an opinion or make a decision.
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go up against
The idiom "go up against" means to confront or challenge someone or something, especially in a competitive or adversarial situation. It suggests facing an opponent or undertaking a difficult task, often implying a sense of opposition or confrontation.
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squash up against sm or sth
The idiom "squash up against someone or something" means to tightly press or squeeze oneself against someone or something, usually due to limited space or overcrowding. It implies being in close proximity and experiencing discomfort or lack of personal space.
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nuzzle up against (someone or something)
The idiom "nuzzle up against (someone or something)" refers to the act of snuggling, cuddling, or nestling close to someone or something, typically in an affectionate or endearing manner. It involves physically pressing or rubbing oneself against another person or object in a tender, gentle, or intimate way. This expression often conveys a sense of comfort, warmth, or seeking security.
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up against (something)
The idiom "up against (something)" means to face a difficult or challenging situation, obstacle, or opponent. It implies being in a position where one must confront or tackle something that is formidable or demanding.
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run up against sb/sth
The idiom "run up against sb/sth" means to encounter, come into conflict or have a difficulty with someone or something. It refers to facing a challenge or opposition that hinders progress or causes frustration.
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run up against
The idiom "run up against" means to encounter an obstacle, problem, or difficulty unexpectedly or without prior knowledge, often resulting in a challenge or confrontation. It can also refer to facing resistance or opposition in one's efforts or endeavors.
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up against a brick wall
The idiom "up against a brick wall" means being confronted with an obstacle or challenge that seems impossible to overcome or find a solution for. It refers to a situation where no progress or forward movement can be made, similar to physically being blocked by a solid wall.
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be up against it
The idiom "be up against it" can be defined as being in a difficult, challenging, or desperate situation where one's available options or resources are limited or insufficient to overcome the problem or achieve success. It implies being confronted with a significant obstacle, adversity, or urgency that requires immediate action or resolution.
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go up against someone
The idiom "go up against someone" means to face or compete against someone in a challenge, competition, or conflict. It implies a direct confrontation or opposition, often involving a display of skill, determination, or strength.
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measure up against
The idiom "measure up against" means to compare or assess someone or something's ability, quality, or performance in relation to a certain standard or expectation.
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stand up against sm or sth
The idiom "stand up against someone or something" means to resist, oppose, or challenge someone or something that is perceived as a threat or wrongdoing. It conveys the idea of taking a stand or being defiant in the face of adversity or injustice.
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nuzzle up against
The idiom "nuzzle up against" means to snuggle or cuddle affectionately against someone or something. It refers to a physical act of leaning closely or nestling oneself in a warm and comforting manner, often seeking affection or seeking to offer it.
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come up against
The idiom "come up against" means to encounter or face a difficulty or challenge, often unexpectedly. It refers to a situation where someone confronts an obstacle, barrier, resistance, or opposition in their path or endeavor.
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nuzzle up against sm or sth
The idiom "nuzzle up against someone or something" means to snuggle, cuddle, or place oneself in close physical contact with someone or something, usually by moving or pressing against them gently and affectionately. It implies a gesture of warmth, intimacy, or affection towards the person or object being nuzzled.
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put up against
The idiom "put up against" means to compare two or more things or people in order to find out which one is better or more suitable for a particular situation. It often implies a competition or challenge between the entities being compared.
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be/come up against a brick wall
The idiom "be/come up against a brick wall" means to encounter an obstacle, resistance, or difficulty that hinders progress or prevents success. It implies reaching a point where further efforts or attempts seem unproductive or futile. It often conveys a sense of frustration and the inability to make any further advancements.
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run up against (something)
The idiom "run up against (something)" means to encounter or come across an obstacle, difficulty, or problem that hinders progress or success. It implies facing unexpected challenges or limitations that prevent one from reaching a desired outcome.
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squeeze up against
The idiom "squeeze up against" refers to the act of pushing oneself or something tightly against another object or person, often due to limited space or to fit into a crowded area.
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up against sb/sth
The idiom "up against someone/something" means to face or confront a challenging or difficult situation, problem, or opponent. It implies being in a position of competition, resistance, or conflict with someone or something.
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squeeze up against sm or sth
The idiom "squeeze up against someone or something" refers to the act of pressing tightly or closely against someone or something, especially when there is limited space available. It implies a close physical proximity or tight arrangement.
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up against
When someone or something is "up against" something, they are facing a difficult situation or problem that they must deal with or overcome.
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get up against
The idiom "get up against" means to face or come into direct competition or conflict with someone or something. It can also refer to being pressed up closely against something.
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