face-to-face

face-to-face

1. Fig. in person; in the same location. (Said only of people. An adverb.) •

Let's talk about this face-toface. I don't like talking over the telephone.

•

Many people prefer to talk face-to-face.

2. Fig. facing one another; in the same location. (Used as an attributive.) •

I prefer to have a face-to-face meeting.

•

They work better on a face-to-face basis.

* * *

{adv. phr.} 1. With your face looking toward the face of another person; each facing the other. * /Turning a corner, he found himself face-to-face with a policeman./ * /The two teams for the spelling bee stood face-to-face on opposite sides of the classroom./ * /The church and the school stand face-to-face across the street./ 2. In the presence of another or others. * /She was thrilled to meet the President face-to-face./ * /I have heard about him, but I never met him face-to-face./ Compare: IN PERSON. 3. To the point where you must do something. - Used with "with". * /The solution of the first problem brought him face-to-face with a second problem./ Compare: UP AGAINST.