front (redirected from fronts)

be in the front line

to be in an important position where you have influence, but where you are likely to be criticized or attacked. Many social workers are in the front line of racial tension. (often + of)

See also: line

the front office (American)

the managers of a company. The front office has decided to cut back on technical staff.

See also: office

front-office (American)

the front office - the managers of a company. She's one of the key front-office advisers. (always before noun)

put a brave face/front on something

to behave in a way that makes people think you are happy when you are not. They've had some bad luck, but they've put a brave face on their problems. She's very ill but she's putting a brave front on it. (= making people believe her illness does not worry her)

See also: brave, face

put on a brave face/front

put a brave face/front on something - to behave in a way that makes people think you are happy when you are not. He doesn't seem upset about losing. Do you think he's just putting on a brave face?

See also: brave, face

put on/up a front

to pretend to feel a certain way. He hasn't shown any signs of grief over his father's death, but I'm sure he's just putting up a front.

up front

if you give someone an amount of money up front, you pay them before they start a job. Did you pay up front or are you waiting till they've finished the job?

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in front of someone

while other people are present. Why did you have to embarrass me in front of all those people?

on the front burner

getting or needing immediate attention. We want to make sure that aid for Africa is on the front burner. Retirement planning hasn't exactly been on Kessler's front burner.

Usage notes: sometimes used with put: The president has finally put this issue on the front burner.

on the back burner

See also: burner

on the front line of something

leading others in an effort to change something. For years the group has been on the front line of efforts to educate people about global warming. Doctor Tay is on the front lines of improving treatment for people with head and spinal injuries.

Etymology: based on the military use of soldiers on the front line or front lines (= closest to the enemy and very important but also those most likely to be hurt or killed)

See also: line

on the front lines of somethingSee at: on the front line of something

See also: line

put up a brave frontSee: put on a brave face

See also: brave