Definition
To be brave or tough enough to deal with something in a manner that is considered strong or manly. (Compare man (“brace oneself, steel oneself”))
Origins
From man + up, with influence from own up, buck up.
In Context
- "I was wondering when he would man up and marry that girl he knocked up."
- "You need to man up and confront your boss about her behavior."
- "Hey son, man up, okay? There will be time for tears later."
- "Or do you also have to wait for some veteran civil servant to tell you whether or not you put your pants on the right way round this morning? Honestly mate, just MAN UP. […] Speaking of manning up, I wonder if the organisers managed to find any ladies to attend this 20 May party?"
Also Said As
- woman up
- boss up
- person up