Phrasal verb
front up
Definition
phrasal verb. to appear in person for something difficult, or to pay money that you owe.
phrasal verb. to present oneself at a specific location or event, often when one is reluctant or under scrutiny; also used in financial contexts to mean providing necessary funds.
Examples
“He had to front up to court this morning.”
“If you want the bank to lend you money, you must front up some cash first.”
“The CEO was forced to front up to the press and explain the company's massive loss in the third quarter.”
Examples
simple
“He had to front up to court this morning.”
contextual
“If you want the bank to lend you money, you must front up some cash first.”
complex
“The CEO was forced to front up to the press and explain the company's massive loss in the third quarter.”
Usage
often used with 'to' when referring to a person or situation one must face.
Teaching tip
this is a common phrasal verb in Australian and British English; it combines the idea of 'facing' something with the physical act of 'showing up'.
Pitfall
He fronted to the meeting.
He fronted up to the meeting.
the particle 'up' is necessary to complete the phrasal verb meaning of appearing or facing a situation.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
front + up (+ to + object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/front-up