duke it out
Fight with fists
To duke it out is to fight or compete intensely until one side prevails.
The phrase can describe physical fighting—They duked it out in the parking lot—but more often refers to vigorous competition or argument: The two candidates duked it out in a series of debates.
Duke here likely comes from dukes as slang for fists.
- fightPhysical or verbal conflict
- brawlDisorderly group fight
- scuffleBrief disorderly struggle
- fight it outResolve through conflict
- go at itEngage vigorously in conflict
battle · tussle · throwdown · battle royale · lock horns · combat · come to blows · fisticuffs · square off · fight to the finish · sparring · melee · slugging · grappling · no holds barred · struggle · have it out · settle the score
conflict resolution method
duke it outnegotiate
Discuss to reach agreement
talk it out · make peace · mediate · come to terms · reconcile