Belly up

Meaning

The idiom "belly up" means to face a difficult situation head-on, to confront a problem directly, or to give up or fail in an attempt. It can also refer to being killed or dying in battle.

Usage

• After years of trying to save his failing business, John finally made the tough decision to belly up and declare bankruptcy.
• The company faced many challenges during its time, but they always managed to belly up and find a solution.
• When the storm hit, the sailors had no choice but to belly up and ride out the waves.
• Despite his best efforts, the athlete just couldn't seem to belly up and perform at his full potential.
• The soldier bravely faced the enemy and didn't back down, even when he knew it meant certain death – he truly bellyed up for his country. The usage of "belly up" can vary depending on the context. It can be used in a positive way to describe someone who is courageous or brave, or it can be used negatively to describe someone who has failed or given up.

Roots and History

The idiom originated from World War II when fighter pilots would belly up their planes to protect them from enemy fire during a dogfight. This act of courage became a metaphor for facing difficult situations head-on or giving up when necessary.

Synonyms in English

• Head-on
• Take the bull by the horns
• Face the music
• Come clean
• Bite the bullet

Synonyms in other languages

• In Spanish, "coger al agua" (to take the water)
• In French, "se rencontrer frontalement" (to meet face-to-face)
• In German, "der Kopf voran tragen" (to lead with the head)
• In Italian, "fare la testa in fretta" (to hurry up and get it over with)
• In Russian, "отодратьсь" (to face a difficult situation head-on)

Similar Idioms

• bull in a china shop

• bang for the buck

• bright spark