face up to

[face up to] {v. phr.}

1. To bravely confront a person or a challenge; admit.

* /Jack doesn't want to face up to the fact that Helen doesn't love him anymore./

* /Jane cannot face up to her mother-in-law who always wins every argument they have./

2. To confess something to someone; confess to having done something.

* /Jim had to face up to having stolen a sweater from the department store./

Contrast: FACE DOWN.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms


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	face-to-face [face-to-face] {adv. phr.} 1. With your face looking toward the face of another person; each ... A Dictionary of American Idioms face [face] See: BLUE IN THE FACE, CUT OFF ONE'S NOSE TO SPITE ONE'S FACE, FLY ... A Dictionary of American Idioms face-to-face [face-to-face] {adj.} Being in the presence of a person; being right with someone. * /The ... A Dictionary of American Idioms in the face of [in the face of] {adv. phr.} 1. When met or in the presence of; threatened ... A Dictionary of American Idioms in one's face [in one's face] {adv. phr.} 1. Against your face. * /The trick cigar blew up ... A Dictionary of American Idioms save face [save face] {v. phr.} To save your good reputation, popularity, or dignity when something has ... A Dictionary of American Idioms stare in the face [stare in the face] {n. phr.} 1. To be about to meet or to happen ... A Dictionary of American Idioms

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