face down
1. verb To confront or intimidate someone until they relent. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "face" and "down." I'm so impressed that that scrawny little kid faced the bully down! They've been the best team in the league this season, so we're gonna have to face them down come playoff time. The captain of the football team faced me down because he didn't like my tendency to flirt with his girlfriend.
2. verb To turn something so that the top or printed side cannot be seen. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "face" and "down. Be sure to face your tests down when you're done. Hey, face down those pictures—I don't want the kids to see them yet. I quickly faced down the confidential documents when my co-worker stepped into my office.
3. adjective Of a person, lying on one's stomach with one's face literally turned downward. Just lie face down on the table and the masseuse will be in with you shortly. I can't sleep face down like that. I'm a back sleeper usually. I tripped and ended up face down on the sidewalk.
4. adjective Of an object, with the top or printed side turned down so that it cannot be seen. Put your test face down on the desk when you're done. Because I had written my password on that sheet, I was quick to turn it face down. My baby pictures are embarrassing—just let me keep them face down, OK?
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.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
face someone down
to make a face-to-face stand with someone who eventually backs down. Chuck succeeded in facing Tom down. Facing down Tom wasn't difficult for Chuck.
face something down
to turn something face downward. Ted drew a card and faced it down. Face your cards down when you leave the card table.
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.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
face down
1. With the upper surface put down, as in Please put these papers face down. This usage appears to come from cardplaying. [First half of 1600s] The antonym, "with the upper surface uppermost," is face up.
2. Overcome, intimidate, or browbeat someone in a bold confrontation. This verbal expression dates from the 16th century. Shakespeare used it in The Comedy of Errors (3:1): "Here's a villain that would face me down."
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.