squaring off
Preparing to fight
Squaring off is preparing to fight or confront someone, facing them directly with body positioned for conflict.
Two boxers square off before a match; political rivals square off in debate.
The phrase suggests adopting a fighting stance—shoulders squared, facing the opponent head-on: The two men squared off in the parking lot.
- facingDirected toward something
- confrontingAddressing directly
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- duelPrearranged one-on-one combat
- throwing downCasting forcefully downward
going toe to toe · maneuvering · head-to-head · competition · matchup · face-off · contesting · disputing · rivalry · locking horns · challenge · sparring · grappling · coming to blows · positioning · sizing up · opposing · bracing
squaring offbacking down
Withdrawing from a stance
retreating · withdrawing · fleeing · running away · avoiding
squaring offmaking peace
Ending hostilities between parties
reconciling · making amends · burying the hatchet · embracing · shaking hands
squaring offstanding down
Relinquishing a position
yielding · submitting · deferring · acquiescing · staying neutral