go to the mat

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

McGuire gave labor unions credit on Monday, saying that “in California, we go to the mat for the rights of workers.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2024

Were there ever things that you had to really go to the mat to fight for or that actually didn't make it?

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2023

“I will go to the mat to get rid of this cap,” Pollet said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2023

“If I needed a lawyer to go to the mat for me, that’s the lawyer I would choose,” he said.

From New York Times • Sep. 19, 2022

Sure I am, but I have to go to the mat when they commence to dish out this Emporia humor.

From The Sorrows of a Show Girl by McGaffey, Kenneth