Facing, Allowing, or Restricting: English Vocabulary List

to face challenges with a positive attitude

"She bears up under the strain well."

"Even after losing her job, she managed to bear up and face each new challenge with remarkable courage and determination."

to soften one's approach by becoming more understanding

"Please ease up on me."

"The teacher advised the students to ease up on their criticism and offer more constructive feedback."

to confront and deal with a difficult or unpleasant situation directly and courageously

"You must face up to reality."

"You must face up to your mistakes and apologize instead of blaming others for your own failures."

to make something available by removing restrictions or allowing it to be used for a different purpose

"This will free up time."

"Automating the repetitive tasks will free up the employees to focus on more strategic and creative projects."

to make something much more strict or limited

"We must tighten up."

"The government plans to tighten up security measures at all major airports following recent threats."

to refuse to accept an opportunity or offer

"Don't pass up this."

"She decided not to pass up the chance to study abroad, even though it meant being away from her family."

to tolerate something or someone unpleasant, often without complaining

"I cannot put up with this noise."

"I cannot put up with this constant noise anymore and I am going to complain to the landlord."

to encounter a problem or a difficult situation

"They run up against legal obstacles."

"The small company ran up against many obstacles while trying to compete with much larger and wealthier corporations."

to make something available, possible, or reachable, often by creating new opportunities or access points

"This will open up new chances."

"The new technology will open up exciting possibilities for remote collaboration and learning."

to courageously confront and resist someone or something, refusing to be controlled

"She will stand up to him."

"It is important for citizens to stand up to injustice and demand fair treatment."