pit somebody/something against somebody/something phrasal verb ( see also ↑ pit )
to test someone’s strength, ability, power etc in a competition or fight against someone or something else:
We’ll be pitting our team against the champions.
pit your wits against somebody (=compete against someone using your intelligence or knowledge)
Pit your wits against family or friends!
pit yourself against something/somebody
The men had to pit themselves against the forces of nature.