"Come to grips" is a phrase that means to confront or deal with a difficult situation or problem. There are several synonyms that can be used in place of this phrase, such as "face up to," "grapple with," "tackle," "confront," or "address." These words all carry the same meaning of acknowledging and taking action towards a challenging circumstance. Additionally, other phrases that may be used interchangeably with "come to grips" include "get to the bottom of," "get a handle on," or "get a grip on." Regardless of the synonym used, what is important is the willingness to engage and resolve the issue at hand.