squares off
Assumes fighting stance
Squares off means to assume a fighting stance or prepare for confrontation.
Boxers square off before a bout, facing each other with fists raised.
The phrase extends to any direct opposition: The candidates squared off in a televised debate.
Two parties squaring off are positioning themselves as adversaries, ready to engage.
- duelsArranged one-on-one fights
- face-offsDirect competitive clashes
- standoffsUnresolved confrontations between opposing sides
- gears upPrepares for activity
- showdownsDecisive final confrontations
throws down · readies · braces · rivalries · disputes · altercations · battles · steadies · challenges · clashes · confronts · positions · primes · centers · arranges · aligns · adjusts · calibrates
- takes onadopts, assumes, accepts, undertakes, shoulders
squares offbacks down
Withdraws from confrontation
retreats · backs away · withdraws · runs away · flees
squares offmakes peace
Resolves conflict amicably
reconciles · buries the hatchet · stands down · makes amends · de-escalates
squares offwalks away
Leaves a place standing
turns away · disengages · steps back · pulls back · checks out
square, squares, squared, squaring, squarely, squareness, off