hand to hand
/ˈhænd tə ˈhænd/
adverb
- In close physical contact, especially in fighting without weapons.
- The two warriors fought hand-to-hand until one was defeated.
- The police were trained to subdue suspects hand-to-hand if necessary.
- When the enemy got too close, the troops had to engage hand-to-hand.
adjective
- Involving physical contact between people, especially in fighting or combat without weapons.
- The martial arts class focused on hand-to-hand techniques for self-defense.
- The soldiers trained in hand-to-hand combat for close-quarters battles.
- Hand-to-hand fighting broke out when the two groups clashed in the street.