face up

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. Hey, don't face that document up—it has confidential information on it! Can you face that book up so I see the cover?

2. verb To deal with or tackle something that is troublesome 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. She's such a liar and will never face up to the harm she's done. We need to face up to these financial issues if our company is going to survive.

3. adjective Of a person, on one's back with one's face turned upward. I just can't sleep on my stomach—I have to lie face up. You can start out face up on the table and the masseuse will be in with you shortly. You just had jaw surgery—of course you have to lie face up!

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. Yep, the packet of papers face up on my desk is for you. Are you done? OK, then your test shouldn't be face up—I don't want anyone to be able to see your answers.

See also: face, up

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

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. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

face up

see under face down.

See also: face, up

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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 © Farlex 2017

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. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.