(с тв. ) take* on (smb.) , compete (with), measure one`s strength (with), tussle (with), content (with)
несовер.; вз.-возвр.; (с кем-л./чем-л.) 1) устар. be at law (with), litigate (with) (судиться)
2) разг. measure swords (with), measure one's strength (with), vie (with), cope, measure oneself (against), be a match (for) (мериться силами)
трудно с ним тягаться — it is hard to vie with him, there's no competing with him