Word Phrasal verb
face up to
phrasal verb.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford
Definition
phrasal verb.to accept that a difficult or unpleasant situation exists and start dealing with it.
phrasal verb.to acknowledge and confront a challenging reality or responsibility that one might otherwise avoid.
Examples
“You need to face up to your problems.”
“After months of overspending, he finally had to face up to his growing debt.”
“The board of directors must face up to the fact that their current business model is no longer sustainable in the digital age.”
Usage
usually followed by a noun phrase representing a negative truth or a difficult responsibility.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'ignore' or 'avoid'; it implies a transition from denial to acceptance and action.
Pitfall
He faced up his mistakes.He faced up to his mistakes.
the preposition 'to' is essential to complete the meaning of this three-part phrasal verb.
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated