1
general::
Phrase(s): *up against something
1. Fig. resting firmly against something. (*Typically: be ~; place something ~.) • The car is up against the back of the garage! Back out a little! 2. Fig. in conflict with something; facing something as a barrier. (Fig. on Q. *Typically: be ~; go ~.) • I am up against some serious problems., Phrase(s): *up against someone or something
in opposition to someone or something, as in a contest. (*Typically: be ~; come ~; go ~; run ~; team ~.) • Let’s team up against Paul and Tony in the footrace. • We came up against a very strong team.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Contending or confronted with, as in I'm up against a strong opponent in this election. This idiom is Also put as up against it, which means "in serious difficulty, especially in desperate financial straits." For example, When the collection agency called again, we knew we were up against it. [Late 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms