# fess up to

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fess-up-to
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to admit that you did something wrong or made a mistake.

For teachers: to confess or acknowledge a fault, error, or minor crime; an informal phrasal verb often used when the admission was previously avoided.

## Examples

- You should just fess up to breaking the vase.
- After the manager questioned everyone in the office, Sarah finally decided to fess up to the mistake in the report.
- Although the evidence was purely circumstantial, the suspect eventually chose to fess up to his involvement in the prank to avoid a harsher penalty.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He fessed up his mistake." but "He fessed up to his mistake." — the preposition 'to' is required when naming the specific action or mistake being admitted.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form) representing the mistake.
- Teaching tip: explain that 'fess' is a shortened, informal version of 'confess'; it is best used for minor social errors rather than serious legal crimes.

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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.