make head against

verb2

1. •
   (figurative) To resist, oppose.

   • […] if Children were early instructed, Knowledge would insensibly insinuate it self before their Years had arm’d them with Obstinacy enough to make Head against it. — 1715
2. •
   (no longer used) To attack or take up arms against (someone).

   • Three times hath Henry Bolingbroke made head / Against my power; thrice from the banks of Wye / And sandy-bottom'd Severn have I sent him / Bootless home and weather-beaten back. — 1597