face up to
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To confront a condition or situation, typically one that is unpleasant or uncomfortable.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
We must all face up to the fact that we're not getting any younger.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “face up to” mean?
To confront a condition or situation, typically one that is unpleasant or uncomfortable.
Is “face up to” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.