to someone'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 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.
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
References in periodicals archive
He said: "People think they can say what they like about people on Facebook - as far as I am concerned it's no different to saying outrageous things to someone's face." Coun Rowling pointed to instances of people sharing posts on Facebook about problems in the NHS being "down to people from other countries" and the comment section under articles about the Eid Festival.
Time to take action on the trolls
We write things on social media that we would never express to someone's face.
YOUR VIEW; Today's column comes from Jon Cook of Hillsong UK Newcastle. He asks how 'social' social media is
But it's also a hacking proof-of-concept that, for now, shouldn't alarm the average iPhone owner, given the time, effort, and access to someone's face required to recreate it.
Hackers claim to break iPhone X's Face ID
This gender-friendly gift works for any occasion or excuse to bring a smile to someone's face. Gather scraps of paper, cloth, paints, etc., and sit down with your friends to enjoy an afternoon of fun.
Oops box
Almost half believed that what they said had made a difference but more than a quarter of people surveyed admitted they would say, or have said, something on a site they would never say to someone's face.
25 pc of us regret things said on Facebook and Twitter
There's darts and rugby, crown green bowls, They all deserve a place, I'm sure that they, all in their right, Bring a smile to someone's face.
READERS' POEMS
These glam compacts will bring a smile to someone's face on Christmas Day.
Style: Stocking thrillers; BEAUTY BOX Gifts designed to make an impression
He's so funny and likes nothing better than bringing a smile to someone's face. He's nearly human, really, and all the sick children come down from the wards to see him.
'Mr Murphy loves bringing a smile to people's faces' echo true story
Experts suggest online users never send messages when angry and never say something in an e-mail that they wouldn't say to someone's face.
Bullying shoots into cyber space
"If there is anything I love about being a personality," he says, "it's the smile you can bring to someone's face just by extending hand."
He's awesome, baby! Sports commentator Dick Vitale scores big ratings for charity
* Snowy or icy conditions can almost double the risk of UV damage to someone's face or eyes, due to the effects of reflected glare.
Total Sun Care
"If you wouldn't say it to someone's face, don't say it online.
My Spencer is abs fab, says Vogue
Say it to someone's face!" the Daily Star quoted him as tweeting.
Robbie Savage fuming over backstage slurs at Strictly
I just love the idea that my designs could bring a smile to someone's face as they make a cup of tea in the morning.
Pint-size etchy 'n' scratchy; ART: Animal engraver Charlotte has the bottle to cheer up daily milk
If you can bring a smile to someone's face that's what it's all about."
Bobby's friendliness is secret of his success