manning up
Facing it bravely
Manning up is taking on a challenge with courage or toughness, especially when you'd rather avoid it.
The phrase carries assumptions about masculine stoicism—real men don't complain, don't show weakness, don't back down.
Often used as an imperative: Man up and tell her how you feel.
Critics note it reinforces harmful gender stereotypes while dismissing legitimate emotions.
- gutsEntrails or boldness
- ownershipLegal right of possession
- no excusesRefusing to justify failure
- valorCourage in danger
- toughnessResilient durability under strain
tough it out · stiff upper lip · fortitude · adaptability · stoicism · daring · integrity · stepping up · taking responsibility · accountability · fearlessness · perseverance · backbone · intestinal fortitude · tenacity · decisiveness · cojones · reliability
- psyching uppsyching up, pep talk, self talk, bracing, mustering
manning upbacking down
Withdrawing from a stance
chickening out · shrinking away · running away · copping out · wimping out
manning upbreaking down
Stopping working properly
falling apart · losing it · crumbling · crying · wallowing
manning upshrinking back
Withdrawing from perceived threat
retreating · hiding · cowering · cringing · freezing up
man, manning, manned, manly, manliness, manhood, unmanned, unmanly, manful