front

front

1. verb To pay for some item or service before it is rendered. Don't front too much money for Richie's latest scheme—it's bound to fail, like all the others. I had to front the dealer $2,000 for my new car. No way, I refuse to front $5,000 for an antique that might not even materialize!

2. verb, slang To confront or accost someone. I wouldn't front those guys, they're dangerous! After obtaining that crucial piece of evidence, the police fronted the suspect about the jewelry theft. Why would you front that dude? Did you want to get punched in the face?

3. verb, slang To act inauthentically; to put on a front. A: "Kelly's no party girl, so I don't know why she feels like she has to front." B: "Probably so those dumb sorority girls will like her." I hate how teenage boys usually front instead of showing genuine emotion. We all know you're hurting over your break-up, so don't front.

4. noun Something reputable that hides underhanded or illegal activities. You know their restaurant is just a front, right? Those guys are really in the mob. Excuse me, sir, but this is a legitimate establishment, not some sort of front! Of course that place is a front—it's run by a known criminal!

5. noun A manner of inauthentic behavior. You don't have to put up a front for me, I'm your best friend—you can tell me how you're really feeling. John's been putting up a front since his wife left him, but I can tell that he is devastated on the inside. I really didn't want to spend Thanksgiving with my wife's parents, but I put up a front and suffered through it with a smile.

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

front someone some amount of money

to provide an advance payment of some amount to someone. The buyer fronted me half the purchase price as a favor.

See also: amount, front, money, of

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

front

1. in. to pay out money in advance of receiving goods; to pay up front. (see also front money.) I fronted about $550 for the new computer.

2. n. a respectable appearance. Jan can put up a good front, but most of us know the real Jan.

3. in. to pretend; to lie. Stop fronting and be yourself.

4. tv. to challenge someone; to confront someone, perhaps in anger. Don’t front me unless you are ready for a fight.

fronts

n. clothing; a sports jacket. You got some good-looking fronts there.

See also: front

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.