nose-to-nose
Inches apart, opposed
Nose-to-nose describes two people or things facing each other at extremely close range, nearly touching: The coach got nose-to-nose with the umpire.
The phrase suggests confrontation or intense direct engagement.
In competitive contexts, it means evenly matched or tied: The two candidates remained nose-to-nose in the polls.
Affectionate rubbing with nose
- Eskimo kissAffectionate nasal contact
- affectionWarm emotional attachment
- closenessState of proximity
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
lovers · embrace · touching · foreheads · breath · whisper · couples · romance
Direct clash between opponents
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- staredownUnblinking confrontation
- squaring offAssuming combative stance
head-to-head · challenge · defiance · tension · aggression · territorial · dominance · intimidation
Inhaling through the nose
- greetingExpression of welcome
- muzzleAnimal's nose area
- whiskersFacial sensory hairs
- dogsDomesticated barking mammals
cats · horses · scent · investigation · curious · mutual · introduction · recognition
Fastened by knotting
- deadlockedUnable to progress further
- evenUniform and level
- closeNearby or to shut
- photo finishRace decided by camera
matched · rivals · contenders · squeaker · margin · polling · lead · trailing
nuzzling
Affectionate rubbing with nose
- Eskimo kissAffectionate nasal contact
- affectionWarm emotional attachment
- closenessState of proximity
tenderness · lovers · embrace · touching · foreheads · breath · whisper · couples · romance · snuggling
face-off
Direct clash between opponents
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- staredownUnblinking confrontation
squaring off · head-to-head · challenge · defiance · tension · aggression · territorial · dominance · intimidation · bristling
sniffing
Inhaling through the nose
dogs · cats · horses · scent · investigation · curious · mutual · introduction · recognition · social
tied
Fastened by knotting
- deadlockedUnable to progress further
- evenUniform and level
- closeNearby or to shut
photo finish · matched · rivals · contenders · squeaker · margin · polling · lead · trailing · competitive
nose-to-nosemiles apart
distant · worlds apart · at arm's length · poles apart · separated
nose-to-nosebacking away
Reverse movement from something
retreating · disengaged · avoidant · turned away · keeping distance
nose-to-noselopsided
Unequally balanced
runaway · blowout · one-sided · no contest
nose, noses, nosed, nosing, nosy, nosiness, nosebleed, nosedive