come out fighting

come out fighting

To compete or defend someone or something passionately or aggressively. After hearing so much opposition to his proposed construction project, the developer came out fighting at the town hall meeting. They may be underdogs in this series, but you can be sure that they'll come out fighting. There's no need to come out fighting—it was just a joke. Sheesh!

See also: come, fight, out

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

come out fighting

mainly BRITISH or

come out swinging

mainly AMERICAN

COMMON In a conflict or contest, if someone comes out fighting or comes out swinging, they show by their behaviour that they are prepared to do everything they can in order to win. Thompson came out fighting last night, accusing his old board colleagues of deliberately damaging his reputation. Deputy Prime Minister John Waters came out swinging against front-runner Martin Jackson in the weekend leadership debate. Note: If boxers come out fighting, they leave their corner as soon as the bell rings and attack their opponent immediately.

See also: come, fight, out

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012