square off
Prepare to fight
Square off means to assume a position of confrontation, preparing to fight or compete.
Boxers square off before a match, facing each other in ready stance.
The phrase extends to any direct confrontation: The two candidates squared off in the debate.
To square off a surface or edge is to make it straight and even, forming right angles.
Unresolved confrontation between opponents
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- encounterUnexpected meeting or confrontation
oppose · challenge · face · defy · dispute · contention · altercation · provocation
Game between opponents
- boutLimited stretch of something
- contestOrganized competitive event
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
- opponentsThose who compete against
rivalry · championship · tournament · playoffs · ring · arena · weigh-in · tale of the tape
Those engaged in warfare
- pistolsSmall one-handed firearms
- swordfightArmed melee with blades
- fencingCombat with blunted blades
- sparringPractice combat training
duelist · affair of honor · high noon · quickdraw · holster · gunfight · seconds · paces
Make linear or orderly
- true upMake precisely level
- perpendicularAt right angles
- right-angleNinety-degree intersection
- levelHorizontal or uniform position
plumb · flush · edges · corners · carpenter · joinery · woodworking · measure
standoff
Unresolved confrontation between opponents
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
encounter · oppose · challenge · face · defy · dispute · contention · altercation · provocation · aggression
match
Game between opponents
- boutLimited stretch of something
- contestOrganized competitive event
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
opponents · rivalry · championship · tournament · playoffs · ring · arena · weigh-in · tale of the tape · underdog
combatants
Those engaged in warfare
- pistolsSmall one-handed firearms
- swordfightArmed melee with blades
- fencingCombat with blunted blades
sparring · duelist · affair of honor · high noon · quickdraw · holster · gunfight · seconds · paces · dawn
straighten
Make linear or orderly
- true upMake precisely level
- perpendicularAt right angles
- right-angleNinety-degree intersection
level · plumb · flush · edges · corners · carpenter · joinery · woodworking · measure · precision
square offback down
Withdraw from a stance
back off · retreat · stand down · withdraw · shy away
square offmake peace
Resolve conflict between parties
reconcile · join forces · team up · make up · make amends
square offmake peace
Resolve conflict between parties
settle · reconcile · come to terms · resolve · defuse
off, square, squares, squarely, squared, squaring, squarer, squarest, squareness