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face out

C1 formal separable transitive
In simple words

To stay strong and get through a hard or embarrassing situation without giving up.

Literal meaning: To turn something so it faces outward.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic formal

To endure a difficult or embarrassing situation to its conclusion by remaining determined.

"Despite the scandal, she decided to face it out and stay in her position."

Grammar: separable
2 C1 neutral

(Retail) To arrange products on a shelf so they are turned to face the customer.

"Staff spend time every morning facing out the products on the shelves."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Somewhat rare and dated in modern usage. More common in older British English texts. In modern English, 'ride out' or 'weather' are more natural alternatives. Can also describe merchandise or displays facing outward in retail.

Commonly used with

crisis storm scandal criticism difficulty challenge

Forms

Base
face out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
faces out
he/she/it
Past simple
faced out
yesterday
Past participle
faced out
have + pp
-ing form
facing out
continuous

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