man up
The phrase "man up" encourages someone to adopt traditionally masculine traits such as bravery, strength, and responsibility, but it is often criticized for reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes.
Definition
B2General
(informal, idiomatic)To display bravery or resilience in a challenging situation.
Example
- You need to man up and face your fears.
B2Responsibility
(informal, idiomatic)To take responsibility for one's actions or duties.
Example
- It's time to man up and admit you made a mistake.
C1Criticism
(informal, idiomatic, critical)To adopt a stereotypically masculine attitude, often implying suppression of emotions.
Example
- Telling someone to man up can perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "man up":
nut upsack upbuck upbutch upcowboy upstep upstand upgrow upbear upbrace upstand up toshape upharden upget upbrass upante uphead upfront upbull upboss upfight uphem upspeak upgee upgen upsmarten upstiff upchin upmove upbig upbitch upstick uprise upget it upmarry upknuckle upgun upsuit upmuscle upstand up and be countedone uppower uprise to the occasionpipe upsit upget on upstay upmuscled upsquare one's shouldersstraighten upput up a fightgear upjump upgay upbuff uppluck upstand up withstraight uptake responsibilitytool upcome up tosquare upjerk upup foramp upwake up