up against
US /ʌp əˈɡenst/
UK /ʌp əˈɡenst/

1.
contra, junto a
in contact with or close to
:
•
He leaned up against the wall.
Ele se encostou na parede.
•
The boat was tied up against the dock.
O barco estava amarrado ao cais.
2.
contra, enfrentando
facing or contending with (a difficulty or opponent)
:
•
We are up against a very strong team.
Estamos contra uma equipe muito forte.
•
She's up against a tight deadline.
Ela está contra um prazo apertado.