to (one's) face

to (one's) face

To one directly, often quite literally by speaking face to face, as opposed to indirect methods. Hey, if you've got a problem with me, tell me to my face instead of complaining about me to everyone else at work.
See also: face
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

to one's face

Openly, directly, as in I do not have the nerve to tell him to his face that he wasn't invited and shouldn't have come . This idiom alludes to a direct confrontation. [Mid-1500s]
See also: face
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

to someone's face

COMMON If you say something, especially something critical or unpleasant, to a person's face, you say it directly to them. He was too old and he had to step aside. But who was going to say so to his face? At school, no-one would ever say anything to my face because they were scared of me.
See also: face
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

to somebody’s ˈface

(say something) openly, when speaking to somebody: Would you really call her a liar to her face? I think he’s guilty but I’d never dare say it to his face. OPPOSITE: behind somebody’s back
See also: face
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

to (one's) face

In the view or hearing of: insulted me to my face.
See also: face
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • face to face
  • face-to-face
  • come face to face with (someone or something)
  • come face to face with someone
  • come face to face with something
  • F2F
  • get out of (one's) face
  • get out of face
  • get out of one's face
  • face it