front

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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.

2. verb, slang To confront or accost someone. I wouldn't front those guys, they're dangerous!

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."

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.

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.

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 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.