duking
Fighting with fists
Duking is fighting with fists, from the slang term dukes meaning hands or fists.
To duke it out is to settle a dispute through physical combat or, more often, vigorous competition: The two candidates duked it out in the debate.
The phrase implies a direct, decisive confrontation rather than prolonged maneuvering.
Hand-to-hand combat
- scuffleBrief disorderly struggle
- tussleBrief physical struggle
- fisticuffsHand-to-hand combat
- punch-upPhysical altercation or revision
rumble · brawl · altercation · fracas · donnybrook · melee · scrapping · slugfest
Hand coverings with fingers
- ringClosed curve shape
- jabQuick, straight blow
- hookCurved catching device
- uppercutAscending boxing strike
sparring · knockout · punching · heavyweight · featherweight · welterweight · cornerman · footwork
Decisive final confrontation
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
- contenderOne competing seriously
- challengerOne competing against incumbent
opponent · head-to-head · clash · battling · competing · vying · contest · face-off
Engaged in conflict
- perseveringMaintaining effort despite difficulty
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- enduringPersisting through time
- overcomingDefeating a challenge
fistfight
Hand-to-hand combat
- scuffleBrief disorderly struggle
- tussleBrief physical struggle
- fisticuffsHand-to-hand combat
punch-up · rumble · brawl · altercation · fracas · donnybrook · melee · scrapping · slugfest · throwdown
gloves
Hand coverings with fingers
uppercut · sparring · knockout · punching · heavyweight · featherweight · welterweight · cornerman · footwork · southpaw
showdown
Decisive final confrontation
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
- contenderOne competing seriously
challenger · opponent · head-to-head · clash · battling · competing · vying · contest · face-off
battling
Engaged in conflict
- perseveringMaintaining effort despite difficulty
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- enduringPersisting through time
dukingreconciling
Resolving a dispute
making peace · embracing · surrendering · yielding · capitulating
dukingfleeing
Rapid escape from danger
retreating · withdrawing · avoiding · running away · backing down
dukingnegotiating
Discussing to reach agreement
mediating · talking it out · making peace · discussing · arbitrating
- duking it outFighting to resolve conflict
- duking outFighting to settle something