face up

Related to face up: face off

face up

1. verb To turn something so that the top or printed side can be seen. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "face" and "up." Face your projects up, and I will come around and collect them.
2. verb To deal with or tackle something that is troublesome and/or causes one trepidation. Just face up to your role in the situation—I'm sure Maggie will forgive you if you're honest with her.
3. adjective Of a person, lying on one's back with one's face literally turned upward. I just can't sleep on my stomach—I have to lie on my back.
4. adjective Of an object, with the top or printed side turned up so that it is visible. Put your projects face up on your desks, and I will come around and collect them.
See also: face, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

face up (to someone or something)

to confront with courage someone or something representing a threat or unpleasantness. You are simply going to have to admit your mistake and face up to the boss. You must face up to the authorities if you have done something wrong.
See also: face, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

face up

see under face down.
See also: face, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

ˌface ˈup/ˈdown


1 (of a person) with your face and stomach facing upwards/downwards: She lay face down on the bed.
2 (of a playing card) with the number or picture facing upwards/downwards: Place the card face up on the pile.
See also: down, face, up
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

face up

v.
1. To position something so that its front surface is oriented upward: The designer faced the mirror up to reflect the sunlight.
2. face up to To confront an unpleasant situation; accept responsibility, blame, or a particular reality: The manager finally faced up to the problem of theft.
See also: face, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • come face to face with (someone or something)
  • come face to face with someone
  • come face to face with something
  • face it
  • get out of (one's) face
  • get out of face
  • get out of one's face
  • get face
  • fly in the face of sth
  • get out of someone's face
References in periodicals archive
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It was a big disappointment that Cameroon didn't qualify but in football, as in life, you face ups and downs.
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World economies face ups and downs so Pakistan is facing upward and downward trends in economy moreover energy crisis, oil, gas, electricity prices problem must be fixed, he said.
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Set against the backdrop of a series of parties, with a narrative that switches between characters, this is the utterly addictive story of a group of friends and three core relationships that face ups, downs and devastation over a year.
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What child won't eventually face ups and downs financially, healthwise and otherwise?
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