一二を争う

一二を争う【いちにをあらそう】

Frequency rank: 39,878. – 40,464.

Alsoいちにをあらそう

expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.); Godan verb with 'u' ending

to compete for the first place; to be one of the two best

This phrase is used to describe a situation where two entities are in close competition for a top position, indicating that both are highly regarded or exceptional.

His speech was outstanding, competing for the first place.

国語辞典Japanese definitions

いちばん一番であるかにばん二番であるかをきょうそう競争すること。また、いちばん一番かわるくて悪くてもにばん二番のちい地位にあり、さんばん三番いか以下にならないていど程度にすぐれている優れていること。

Wiktionary

一二を争う【いちにをあらそう】

Frequency rank: 39,878. – 40,464.

Alsoいちにをあらそう

expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.); Godan verb with 'u' ending

to compete for the first place; to be one of the two best

This phrase is used to describe a situation where two entities are in close competition for a top position, indicating that both are highly regarded or exceptional.