expression

own up

to admit a fault

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to admit that you did something wrong or made a mistake

Examples

1. He finally owned up to breaking the vase.

How to use own up

Own up is a phrasal verb meaning to admit guilt or responsibility for something, typically after initially concealing it or denying it. It is more informal and direct than formal alternatives like 'acknowledge' or 'admit,' and often carries a sense of taking courage to face consequences. The phrase frequently appears in interpersonal or educational contexts where someone is expected to be honest about their wrongdoing.

Common phrases

own up to something
own up to a mistake
finally own up
reluctantly own up
own up to the truth

Synonyms

admit · confess · come clean · acknowledge · fess up

Opposites

deny · disown

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'own up' without the preposition 'to,' saying 'own up a mistake' instead of the correct 'own up to a mistake.'

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