front up

To arrive or make yourself available, especially when people expect you to be there.

• Nobody fronted up for work.
• She fronted up at the meeting despite her illness.
• Will you front up to court tomorrow?

How to use it: front up at/to somewhere (He fronted up at the office before nine.); front up for something (Only six players fronted up for training.)

Similar words: show up, turn up, appear

Common phrases: front up at court, front up for work

To face a difficult person or situation directly instead of avoiding them.

• He fronted up to the bully.
• We need to front up to these problems.
• She finally fronted up to her angry boss.

How to use it: front up to someone/something (It is time to front up to the problem.)

Similar words: confront, face, stand up to

Opposites: avoid

Common phrases: front up to someone, front up to something

To lead a group or be the person who publicly represents it.

• She fronts up a local band.
• A well-known actor fronted up the campaign.
• Who will front up the team at the launch?

Similar words: lead, represent, front

Common phrases: front up a band, front up a campaign

To make a strong effort when dealing with a difficult task or situation.

• We must front up and give our best.
• The players fronted up when the match became difficult.
• Can the team front up under pressure?

How to use it: front up for something (The team needs to front up for the final.)

Similar words: rise to the challenge, give your best

Common phrases: front up for something, front up and deliver

To admit that you did something wrong or tell the truth about something you hid.

• It is time to front up and admit it.
• He fronted up about cheating on the test.
• Will she front up to her mistake?

How to use it: front up about something (He finally fronted up about the missing money.); front up to something (She fronted up to her mistake.)

Similar words: own up, confess, admit

Opposites: deny

Common phrases: front up about something, front up and confess

To provide money before it is due, often expecting someone to pay you back later.

• Can you front up the money?
• She fronted up the deposit for us.
• The company will front up our travel costs.

Similar words: advance, front, put up

Common phrases: front up the money, front up some cash