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Definition tackle in British English

tackle verb

verb
/ˈtæk(ə)l/

▪ challenge, crisis, issue, problem, question, subject, task

1

to make an organized and determined attempt to deal with a problem, often a social problem such as crime or unemployment

Example

Successive governments have failed to tackle the question of homelessness.

Example

a new initiative to tackle the shortage of teachers

1.1

to try to put out a large fire

Example

There were over 50 firefighters tackling the blaze.

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2

to try to take the ball from an opponent in a game such as football

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3

to take hold of someone and push them to the ground

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3.1

to take hold of an opponent in a game such as rugby or American football and stop them from moving forwards, usually by forcing them to the ground

4

to ask someone questions in a very direct way, because you disagree with them and you want them to explain their opinions or behaviour

Example

The interviewer tackled him about his failed economic policies.

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4.1

to oppose a person or organization

Example

They're too powerful for you to tackle on your own.

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Definition tackle in British English