say (something) to (one's) face

To say something directly to one, especially when it is something critical, derogatory, inflammatory, or otherwise negative. A: "Tom's been telling people around the office that you've been slacking lately." B: "If that's the way he feels, why doesn't he come say that to my face?" I know she spreads a lot of nasty stuff about me behind my back, but she's too cowardly to say any of it to my face.

say something (right) to someone's face

to say something (unpleasant) directly to someone. She knew I thought she was rude because I said it right to her face. I thought she felt that way about me, but I never thought she'd say it to my face.