going toe to toe
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- face-offDirect clash between opponents
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- duelPrearranged one-on-one combat
sparring · boxing · fighting · rival · opponent · standoff · slugfest · battle · mano a mano · head-to-head · squared off · ring · bout · matching · scrapping · brawl · challenge · adversary
confrontation style
going toe to toebacking down
Withdrawing from a stance
retreating · running away · stabbing in the back · shying away · turning tail
competitive balance
going toe to toehit and run
Leaving after causing accident
guerrilla tactics · sneak attack · sucker punch · ambush · punching down
conflict resolution approach
going toe to toemaking peace
Ending hostilities between parties
compromising · finding common ground · burying the hatchet · reconciling · negotiating