head-to-head

Ⅰ.

head-to-head UK US adjective [before noun]

► involving two people or groups that are competing directly against each other: a head-to-head battle/clash/contest »

Two of the biggest characters in the retail sector were engaged in a head-to-head battle for one of the icons of British industry.

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head-to-head competition

► involving two people discussing something directly with each other, especially in order to see which person seems better: »

a head-to-head confrontation/debate/meeting

Ⅱ.

head-to-head UK US (also head to head) adverb

► if two or more people or companies compete, go, etc. head to head, they compete directly with each other: »

Stakes are higher than ever as the major airlines go head-to-head in an industry dominated by the tightest of margins.

head-to-head with sb/sth »

The recent acquisition gives the store over 500,000 retail customers, putting it head-to-head with previous market leaders.

head to head against sb/sth »

They could find themselves head to head against Turkish suppliers.

Ⅲ.

head-to-head UK US (also head to head) noun [C] INFORMAL

► a situation, meeting, programme, etc. in which two people discuss something directly with each other, especially in order to see which person seems the best: »

Two of the best known names in the industry took part in a televised head to head last night.