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buck up to

C1 informal transitive
In simple words

To be brave enough to go and face someone or something scary.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To summon the courage to face or confront someone or something intimidating.

"He finally bucked up to his landlord about the broken heating."

Usage notes

Rare and somewhat dated. Combines the sense of 'bucking up' (gaining courage) with a confrontational direction toward someone or something.

Commonly used with

challenge boss opponent situation problem

Forms

Base
buck up to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bucks up to
he/she/it
Past simple
bucked up to
yesterday
Past participle
bucked up to
have + pp
-ing form
bucking up to
continuous

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Synonyms

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