face-off

Definitions

1. A confrontation or argument between two people or groups.
2. The start of play, when two players try to get control of the puck dropped by the referee.
3. The start of play, when two players attempt to get possession of a ball placed on the ground between them by the referee.

Equivalents

Examples

“It's unclear which side will win⟳ the latest face-off between the President and Congress.”

“Huntsman starts out with a vision of Theron that’s specific, unique, and weighted in character, but it trends throughout toward generic fantasy tropes and black-and-white morality, and climaxes in a thoroughly familiar face-off.”

“Canada’s men’s hockey team defeated the USA 3-2 in overtime Thursday to capture⟳ the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off Championship as the NHL put⟳ on a show⟳ in the first edition of this midseason international tournament.”

CEFR level