mano a mano adjective 1adverb 1noun 1 adjective1 •In close confrontation.We sat tensely in the courtroom while the mano-a-mano struggle ensued between the two skilled lawyers. adverb1 •Characterized by head-to-head competition or conflict.The newcomer brashly engaged the veteran player mano a mano. noun1 •A head-on conflict or direct competition.The public debate became a heated mano a mano between the two leading candidates.
