own up

Idioms  

1. Confess, make a full admission, as in Come on, Tim, you'd better own up that you lost the car keys. This idiom uses the verb own in the sense of “acknowledge.” [Colloquial; mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

own up

But one aspect of a fair justice system is for wrongdoers to face proportionate consequences—not to be shunned forever, but to be expected to own up, make amends, and, sometimes, pay a penalty.

From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026

The U.S. should own up to its good intentions.

From Barron's ● Jan. 14, 2026

Hartnett holds his own up and down the aisles, through the cargo area and into the bathroom, making use of the space and tools within his vicinity.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 9, 2025

While she has been seemingly ruthless in her job as a sniper who exterminates the game players who fail, she also has sympathy for Gyeong-seok, having left behind a daughter of her own up North.

From Salon ● Dec. 29, 2024

“You’d do well to follow your roommate’s example and own up to your mistakes,” says Bertha.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Related Words

• accept
• affirm
• agree
• allow
• approve
• concede
• confirm
• declare
• disclose
• grant
• indicate
• permit
• recognize
• reveal
• talk
• tell