Head-on

Meaning

The idiom "head-on" refers to facing a situation directly and without hesitation. It means approaching an issue or problem with a clear and determined attitude.

Usage

• The boss always expects his employees to tackle problems head-on.
• She decided to confront her fears head-on, and it paid off in the end.
• When dealing with conflict, it's best to approach it head-on rather than avoiding it altogether.
• The athlete is known for his aggressive style of play, tackling opponents head-on on the field.
• We need to take a head-on approach to solving this crisis by addressing its root causes.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "head-on" can be traced back to the early 20th century, with its first use recorded in 1918. The phrase likely emerged from the idea of facing something directly and without hesitation or caution. Over time, the idiom has come to be associated with a bold and determined approach.

Synonyms in English

• Face-on
• Straightforward
• Directly
• Forward-facing
• Headstrong

Synonyms in other languages

• In French: à l'attaque (literally "to the attack")
• In Spanish: en cara a cara (literally "face to face")
• In German: direkt (literally "directly")
• In Italian: di fronte (literally "in front of")
• In Russian: спиной к проблеме (literally "with your back to the problem")

Similar Idioms

• face to face

• warm-hearted

• charley horse