man up

British

verb

informal (intr, adverb) to adopt a stereotypically masculine approach or course of action

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Firefighters then hoisted the man up by rope and paramedics took him to a local trauma center in critical condition, officials said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2025

Kevin Davies, Mark Viduka, Andy Carroll and Christian Benteke - Allardyce liked a big man up top, and so did his system.

From BBC • Sep. 23, 2025

With Gabriel out for the season, Riccardo Calafiori injured, and Jurrien Timber and Ben White injury doubts, Kiwior could be the next man up.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2025

In the meantime, Easton Stick is the next man up.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2024

But I know I cain’t stand it if'n you go’n hold a married man up in front a-me like a pitcher for the rest a-my life, sayin’ I got to look at you and him.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023