English

Prepositional phrase

up against it

1. (idiomatic) In a very difficult position.
   • 2015 June 9, “Women’s World Cup 2015: England beaten by France in Group F opener”, in The Guardian (London):

     Yet as intelligently as Rafferty, back at left-back following her recovery from a third ruptured cruciate ligament, was defending against the dangerous Élodie Thomis her side were up against it.