face-to-face

face-to-face  {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 absence 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.