Definition

1. Adjective / Adverbial phrase:
   • Face-to-face; directly opposite: Describes a position where two people or things are situated directly across from each other, with their faces or fronts aligned.
   • On equal footing (in terms of status or reputation): Used figuratively to describe a situation where two parties are considered equal in social standing, prestige, or capability, especially in a confrontational or competitive context.

Usage Examples

• Adjective / Adverbial phrase:
  • Hai đội ngồi ngang mặt nhau trên bàn đàm phán. (The two teams sat face-to-face at the negotiation table.)
  • Anh ta không dám nói chuyện ngang mặt với sếp. (He doesn't dare to talk to the boss on equal footing.)
  • Hai công ty này hoàn toàn ngang mặt trên thị trường. (These two companies are completely on equal footing in the market.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used to imply a direct, often unflinching, confrontation or comparison where neither side has a positional or status advantage.
  • Cuộc tranh luận diễn ra ngang mặt, không bên nào chịu lùi bước. (The debate occurred face-to-face, with neither side willing to back down.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đối mặt (v): to face, to confront.
  • Chúng ta phải đối mặt với sự thật. (We must face the truth.)
• Mặt đối mặt (phrase): face-to-face (often used for meetings or encounters).
  • Họ gặp nhau mặt đối mặt lần đầu tiên. (They met face-to-face for the first time.)

Synonyms

• Face-to-face: in a direct, personal encounter.
• On a par with: equal to someone or something in quality or importance.
• Eyeball to eyeball: in direct confrontation.

Related Idioms

• Ngang cơ: of equal strength or capability (often used in competitive contexts like sports or business).
  • Hai võ sĩ ngang cơ nhau. (The two fighters are equally matched.)
• Ngang hàng: equal in rank or status.
  • Các quốc gia phải đối xử với nhau như những đối tác ngang hàng. (Nations must treat each other as equal partners.)