Topic 20
AGAINST
The chief uses of this preposition are:
(1) to indicate opposition:
* Public opinion was against the
proposal.
* The people rose against the
government.
* She was married against her will.
* We were rowing against the current.
* It was a race against time (i.e. to
finish before a certain time, before something happened.)
(2) to indicate collision, coming together, etc:
* He knocked his head against the wall
in the darkness.
* The rain was beating against the
windows.
(3) to indicate support or nearness to:
* He placed the ladder against the
wall.
* He was leaning against a post.
(4) to indicate preparation or anticipation:
* They warned me against pickpockets.
* Have you taken precautions against
fire?