one-on-one

[wuhn-on-wuhn, -awn-]

adjective

1. consisting of or involving direct individual competition, confrontation, or communication; person-to-person.

   a one-on-one discussion.

adverb

1. in direct encounter.

   I'd rather settle this with her one-on-one.

noun

1. a meeting or confrontation between two persons.

one-on-one

adjective

1. denoting a relationship or encounter in which someone is involved with only one other person

   a one-on-one meeting

Word History and Origins

Origin of one-on-one¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. go one-on-one with, to play directly against (an opposing player).

A direct encounter between two persons, especially a conflict, as in The two department heads went one on one regarding shelf space. This slangy expression almost certainly comes from sports. It is commonly used to refer to a two-person basketball game, but is also applied to the interaction of two players on opposing teams in football, soccer, and similar team sports. [c. 1960]

Example Sentences

But get Slash one-on-one, and he really just wants to geek out on his favorite theme park rides.

From Los Angeles Times

Thompson, a speedy outside back and excellent one-on-one defender, has made 29 total appearances for Angel City since joining the club ahead of the 2024 season.

From Los Angeles Times

Appropriate tutoring is defined as small groups of six or fewer students or one-on-one sessions aligned with the student’s classroom work.

From Los Angeles Times

In one-on-one situations, he pushes forward before holding his position, reducing the angle for opponents in dangerous shooting positions.

From BBC

"When there is an opportunity with these breakdowns, you've got to be really physical. We didn't have that physicality, we just need to make sure defensively we are making the most in our one-on-one tackles."

From BBC

Related Words

• antagonism 
• clash 
• conflict 
• contest 
• duel 
• encounter 
• event 
• fight 
• jealousy 
• matchup 
• race 
• strife 
• struggle 
• tug-of-war