mano a mano

ma·no a ma·no  (män ä män)

n. pl. ma·nos a ma·nos (mäns ä mäns)

1. A bullfight in which two rival matadors take turns fighting several bulls each.

2. A face-to-face confrontation or competitive struggle: a mano a mano between the presidential candidates.

adj.

Being or suggestive of a face-to-face encounter or contest: a mano a mano duel between golf pros.

adv.

In direct competition: an industry gearing up to go mano a mano with a rival.

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[Spanish : mano, hand + a, to.]