go to the mat
Battle without yielding
Go to the mat means to fight or argue vigorously for something, refusing to back down.
The phrase comes from wrestling, where competitors struggle on the mat until one is pinned.
Someone who goes to the mat commits fully to a cause or position: She went to the mat for her team's budget request.
I'll go to the mat on this issue if I have to.
- contendStruggle in opposition
- wrestleEngage in physical combat
- fightPhysical or verbal conflict
- battle it outFight to determine winner
- duke it outEngage in physical combat
stand firm · hold your ground · stand your ground · struggle · persevere · never say die · vie · determination · resolve · compete · intensity · tenacity · defend · steadfastness · fortitude · dispute · commitment · argument
commitment and effort
go to the matslack off
Reduce one's effort
phone it in · mail it in · go through the motions · loaf · coast