FACE UP TO

{v. phr.} 1. To bravely confront a person or a challenge; admit. * /Jack doesn't want to face up to the fact that Helen doesn't love him anymore./ * /Jane cannot face up to her mother-in-law who always wins every argument they have./ 2. To confess something to someone; confess to having done something. * /Jim had to face up to having stolen a sweater from the department store./ Contrast: FACE DOWN.