faced up to
Met head-on
Faced up to means to confront something difficult or unpleasant rather than avoiding it.
The phrase implies accepting a hard truth or dealing with a challenge directly: She finally faced up to her gambling problem.
It suggests courage or maturity in acknowledging what one might prefer to ignore: He had to face up to the fact that his marriage was over.
- approachedMoved toward something
- confrontedChallenged or opposed directly
- stared downDefeated by unblinking gaze
- stood up toConfronted without retreating
- took onAccepted or confronted
fortitude · grit · acknowledgment · challenge · bit the bullet · ownership · bravery · culpability · determination · composure · encounter · responsibility · answerability · perseverance · resolution · came to terms with · hard truths · obligation