Man up

phrase

To act bravely or responsibly, showing the qualities people often connect with being a mature man.

Things are tough right now, but you need to man up and deal with it.
Visual representation of "man up" - To act bravely or responsibly, showing the qualities people often connect with being a mature man.

Often appears as...

  • man up and do it
  • man up and face it

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

To increase in number or strength, usually in preparation for a difficult situation or event.

We need to man up our forces before the enemy arrives.
Visual representation of "man up" - To increase in number or strength, usually in preparation for a difficult situation or event.

Often appears as...

  • man up the forces
  • man up the troops

Usage tips

Neutral

Technical

phrase

To accept responsibility for one's actions or mistakes and face the consequences.

You made a mistake, now man up and apologize.
Visual representation of "man up" - To accept responsibility for one's actions or mistakes and face the consequences.

Often appears as...

  • man up and apologize
  • man up and confess

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

phrase

To act bravely or responsibly, showing the qualities people often connect with being a mature man.

Things are tough right now, but you need to man up and deal with it.
Visual representation of "man up" - To act bravely or responsibly, showing the qualities people often connect with being a mature man.

Often appears as...

  • man up and do it
  • man up and face it

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

To increase in number or strength, usually in preparation for a difficult situation or event.

We need to man up our forces before the enemy arrives.
Visual representation of "man up" - To increase in number or strength, usually in preparation for a difficult situation or event.

Often appears as...

  • man up the forces
  • man up the troops

Usage tips

Neutral

Technical

phrase

To accept responsibility for one's actions or mistakes and face the consequences.

You made a mistake, now man up and apologize.
Visual representation of "man up" - To accept responsibility for one's actions or mistakes and face the consequences.

Often appears as...

  • man up and apologize
  • man up and confess

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "man up"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Gender Connotations

The phrase may imply stereotypical male traits like toughness and may be seen as reinforcing gender roles.

Illustration for Gender Connotations
He told me to man up after I showed my concern.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Strength

'Man up' often suggests hiding vulnerability or discomfort rather than openly expressing feelings.

Illustration for Emotional Strength
I know you're afraid, but you need to man up for the interview.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial Use

It's informal and usually found in casual conversation, not in professional or formal settings.

Illustration for Colloquial Use
If you want to go out with her, man up and ask her directly.
Visual representation of the word "Man up"

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