Crossword Genius

Flat out, prepare for a fight (6,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

square off

'prepare for a fight' is the definition.
(square off can mean to assume a fighting pose)

'flat out' is the wordplay.
'flat' becomes 'square' (both can mean boring).
'out' becomes 'off' (I've seen this before).
'square'+'off'='SQUARE OFF'

(Other definitions for square off that I've seen before include "What boxer might do if attacked" , "Raise dukes" , "prepare for fight" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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