up against somebody/something
Meaning(s)
1. confronted by something or in a difficult situation
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
be up against it/a deadline
Analysis
To be 'up against' something can mean to be close to something or to be in contact with it. 'Up against' can also mean to be confronted with something unpleasant. If you are 'up against it' or 'up against' something it can also mean that you are in a difficult situation. This is a common expression in social and professional contexts and is similar in meaning to 'contending with' and 'facing difficulty'.
Social Examples (Basic)
- I went to watch the rival team before we played them so that I could see exactly what we're up against.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Two members of staff have called in sick and the restaurant is fully booked, so we're really going to be up against it this evening!
- I'm very stressed at the moment because I'm up against a deadline and still have a lot of work to get through.