belly up to the bar
To commit oneself to a challenge or task; to accept a responsibility; to acknowledge a fact.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“It is time to belly up to the bar and finish this project.”
“The manager told the team they must belly up to the bar and accept responsibility for the recent budget errors.”
“Faced with the inevitable consequences of his poor decisions, he finally decided to belly up to the bar and address the board of directors directly.”
- 01
all over bar the shouting
Of an activity where the result is known, but may be subject to change, due to it not being officially finished or announced.
- 02
bar none
Without exception; excluding nothing else of the same kind.
- 03
bar sinister
The state or characteristic of having been born out of wedlock; illegitimacy; bastardy.
- 04
bar star
A woman who frequents bars or lounges, usually late at night.
- 05
belly up
Dead or defunct.
- 06
call to the bar
Admission to practice in the courts.
- 07
Delhi belly
Digestive illness or diarrhea, especially if suffered by a visitor to India.
- 08
fire in the belly
The emotional stamina and vigor, passion, or inner drive to achieve something, to take action, etc.
Last updated August 10, 2026