"Facing up to" is an idiomatic expression that means accepting and dealing with a difficult situation or problem. Some synonyms for this phrase include: confronting, addressing, tackling, handling, dealing with, coming to grips with, and meeting head-on. These words imply action and courage, suggesting that the speaker is taking a proactive approach to their situation. Other related phrases include "staring down," "grappling with," and "rising to the challenge." Regardless of which phrase is used, the important message is that the speaker recognizes the difficulty of the situation and is willing to take bold steps to overcome it.