# face down

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/face-down
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To confront; to abash by stern looks.

## Examples

- You must face down your fear of public speaking.
- The manager had to face down the angry customer to protect his staff from further abuse.
- Despite the overwhelming pressure from his rivals, he stood his ground and managed to face down every challenge they threw his way.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.