face up to

verb

1. to accept (an unpleasant fact, reality, etc)

Idioms and Phrases

Also, face it. Confront or accept an unpleasant or difficult situation. For example, Jane had to face up to the possibility of being fired, or Face it—you were wrong. [Late 1700s] Also see face the music.

Example Sentences

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the government could face up to a $1-trillion problem if the court delayed a decision until next summer and then ruled the tariffs were illegal.

From Los Angeles Times

They were arraigned Wednesday in San Diego Superior Court and face up to three years and eight months in prison if convicted.

From Los Angeles Times

He could face up to two decades behind bars, but his attorneys are battling for a more lenient sentence that could see Combs freed in a matter of weeks – or acquitted.

From BBC

If convicted as charged, Patel could face up to 13 years in prison.

From Los Angeles Times

Bella Culley, 19, from Billingham, Teesside, had previously been told she could face up to 20 years in jail or life imprisonment if convicted.

From BBC

Related Words

• accost 
• defy 
• encounter 
• meet 
• oppose 
• repel 
• resist