To accept and deal bravely with a difficult, unpleasant, or frightening reality rather than avoiding it.
To be brave enough to deal with something hard or scary instead of running away from it.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To accept a difficult or unpleasant truth or situation honestly instead of denying or avoiding it.
"She finally faced up to the fact that her marriage was over."
You've got to face up to the fact that you have a problem.
— The Guardian, advice column, 2010 (representative published usage)
To take on responsibilities or challenges that one has been avoiding.
"It's time to face up to your responsibilities as a parent."
To deal bravely with a frightening or dangerous situation.
"He had to face up to his fears before he could move forward."
Very common in everyday English. Always requires an object (e.g., 'face up to the truth,' 'face up to your problems'). Implies both acceptance and a willingness to take action. Common in motivational and therapeutic contexts.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "face up to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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