Own up
phrasal verb
To admit or confess to something, usually a mistake or wrongdoing.
Even though he knew he had broken the vase, he did not want to own up.
Often appears as...
- own up to something
- own up to mistakes
phrasal verb
To accept responsibility or blame for something.
I decided to own up and accept the consequences of my actions.
Often appears as...
- own up to responsibility
- own up to blame
phrasal verb
To admit or confess to something, usually a mistake or wrongdoing.
Even though he knew he had broken the vase, he did not want to own up.
Often appears as...
- own up to something
- own up to mistakes
phrasal verb
To accept responsibility or blame for something.
I decided to own up and accept the consequences of my actions.
Often appears as...
- own up to responsibility
- own up to blame
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Weight
Using 'own up' often implies a feeling of regret or embarrassment about admitting something.
After the argument, she decided to own up to her harsh words.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Instant
'Own up' suggests a delay or hesitation before admitting something, not immediate confession.
He hesitated for a week before he owned up to cheating on the test.
Pro Tip 3/3Voluntary Action
To 'own up' is usually a voluntary action; it's a personal choice to admit to something.
Despite the peer pressure, she decided to own up to the mistake.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Weight
Using 'own up' often implies a feeling of regret or embarrassment about admitting something.
After the argument, she decided to own up to her harsh words.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Instant
'Own up' suggests a delay or hesitation before admitting something, not immediate confession.
He hesitated for a week before he owned up to cheating on the test.
Pro Tip 3/3Voluntary Action
To 'own up' is usually a voluntary action; it's a personal choice to admit to something.
Despite the peer pressure, she decided to own up to the mistake.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Weight
Using 'own up' often implies a feeling of regret or embarrassment about admitting something.
After the argument, she decided to own up to her harsh words.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Instant
'Own up' suggests a delay or hesitation before admitting something, not immediate confession.
He hesitated for a week before he owned up to cheating on the test.
Pro Tip 3/3Voluntary Action
To 'own up' is usually a voluntary action; it's a personal choice to admit to something.
Despite the peer pressure, she decided to own up to the mistake.
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