1
general::
Phrase(s): square something off
to make something square; to trim something until it is square. • You will have to square this corner off a bit so it will match the part it will be attached to. • Please square off this corner., Phrase(s): square off (for something)
to get ready for an argument or a fight. • John was angry and appeared to be squaring off for a fight. • When those two square off, everyone gets out of the way.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Take a fighting stance, prepare to fight, as in As they squared off, the teacher came out and stopped them, or The ambassador said the two countries were squaring off. [First half of 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms