Facing off
/ˈfeɪsɪŋ ɔf/
verb phraseB2present participle (used as verb phrase)
Definition
"Facing off" is when two people or groups come together and prepare to compete, argue, or fight. It often means standing face to face, ready for a challenge or contest. This phrase is common in sports, debates, or situations of conflict.
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See It in Action
To meet someone in competition or conflict
- •The two teams are facing off in the championship game tonight.
- •The candidates faced off in a live debate last night.
- •The boxers faced off before the match started.
To prepare for a challenge or argument
- •The managers faced off over the contract terms.
- •The rivals faced off in court over the lawsuit.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "facing off" like "meet," but with a strong feeling of challenge or competition
- ✓Picture two hockey players standing close on the ice, looking directly at each other before the game starts
- ✓It's the feeling before a big test or match when you know you must do your best against someone else
- ✓Sounds like "face off" → imagine two faces turning toward each other, ready to start something important
- ✓Think of story scenes where two heroes stand face to face before a duel or contest
- ✓NOT like "talk" (friendly meeting), "facing off" has more tension or competition
- ✓NOT like "run away" (avoiding), "facing off" means you do not avoid, you confront directly
- ✓NOT like "fight" (actual physical action), "facing off" is the moment before or the act of preparing to confront
Try Other Words
- •Compete: to take part in a contest or game (Use when focusing on the competition itself rather than the meeting or preparation)
- •Challenge: to invite someone to compete or argue (Use when emphasizing the act of provoking or testing someone)
- •Meet: to come together (Use when the meeting is neutral or friendly, not competitive)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "face" (to look at or confront) + "off" (indicating separation or opposition)
- •Etymology: English phrase formed by combining "face" (from Old French "face," meaning front of the head) and "off" (Old English, meaning away or apart)
- •Historical development: Originally used in sports like hockey or fencing to describe the starting position; later extended to any direct confrontation or competition
- •Modern usage: Common in sports, debates, legal battles, and any situation where two parties prepare to confront each other
Reflect & Connect
•When is it important to "face off" rather than avoid a problem or person?
•How does "facing off" change your feelings about a challenge compared to just meeting or talking?
Fill in the blanks
1.The teams were ___ facing off ___ before the big game, feeling nervous and excited.
2.During the debate, the candidates kept ___ facing off ___ to show their strong opinions.
3.When two players are ___ facing off ___, they stand very close and look directly at each other.
4.Managers often have to ___ face off ___ when they disagree about important decisions.
5.Unlike a friendly meeting, ___ facing off ___ usually means both sides expect some kind of challenge or conflict.
6.The boxers' ___ facing off ___ was tense, but no one started fighting until the referee gave the signal.
7.When people are ___ facing off ___, they are not avoiding each other but getting ready to compete or argue.