COMMON In a conflict or contest, if someone comes out fighting or comes out swinging, they show by their behaviour that they are prepared to do everything they can in order to win. Thompson came out fighting last night, accusing his old board colleagues of deliberately damaging his reputation. Deputy Prime Minister John Waters came out swinging against front-runner Martin Jackson in the weekend leadership debate. Note: If boxers come out fighting, they leave their corner as soon as the bell rings and attack their opponent immediately.