face up to

face up to (third-person singular simple present faces up to, present participle facing up to, simple past and past participle faced up to)

1. To confront a condition or situation, typically one that is unpleasant or uncomfortable.

   We must all face up to the fact that we're not getting any younger.

   • 1977, Talking Heads, “Psycho Killer”, in Talking Heads: 77:

     I can't seem to face up to the facts / I'm tense and nervous and I can't relax

• bite the biscuit
• bite the bullet

• face facts
• have it out
• own up

• cup of tea