against (someone or something)
1. In opposition to or defiance of someone or something. This plan goes against my principles, so I cannot be a part of it. Are you willing to stand against such a powerful company in the courts? I can't go against my parents—I'll be grounded if I come home after curfew!
2. In competition with someone or something. I'm up against a three-time state champion in the first bracket of the tournament. It's an attractive design, but it is against one of the most popular products in the world, the myPhone. If you have to go against Maria in the spelling bee, I'm sorry but I don't think you'll win.
3. To someone's or something's detriment or disadvantage. I'm shocked that the judge ruled against us. These new tax requirements go against small businesses everywhere! Everything seemed to be against our product when it was first unveiled, from the timing of our competitor's version to the appetite of the market. Needless to say, it performed below expectations.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
*against someone or something
1. in opposition to someone or something; in competition with someone or something. (*Typically: be ~; run ~; stand ~.) I am against everything you stand for. She ran against me in the election.
2. to the disadvantage of someone or something; in opposition to someone or something. (*Typically: be ~; go ~; run ~; turn ~.) When did the trial go against us?
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.