Definition

Phrasal Verb: 1. To settle a debt or bill completely; to pay what is owed. This meaning focuses on concluding a financial obligation. 2. To confront someone or something directly and resolutely, often in preparation for a fight or argument. This meaning implies facing a challenge or opponent head-on. 3. To make something square, straight, or even; to align. This is a more literal meaning related to positioning or adjusting objects.

Usage Examples

• Settling a debt:
  • Let me get my wallet so I can square up with you for dinner.
  • We need to square up the bill before we leave the restaurant.
• Confronting directly:
  • The two boxers squared up in the center of the ring.
  • It's time to square up to the problem instead of avoiding it.
• Making something even/straight:
  • The carpenter squared up the frame before securing it.
  • Please square up the stack of papers on the desk.

Advanced Usage

• "to square up to someone/something": This prepositional phrase is commonly used with the confrontation meaning to specify the target.
  • He finally squared up to his fears and gave the presentation.
• The phrase can imply a sense of finality and resolution, whether in finance ("settle conclusively") or in conflict ("face resolutely").

Variants and Related Words

• Square (verb): To make something square or straight; to settle or reconcile (e.g., , ).
• Settle up (phrasal verb): A close synonym for the financial meaning of .
• Face up to (phrasal verb): A close synonym for the confrontation meaning of .

Synonyms

• Settle: To resolve or pay (for the financial meaning).
• Confront: To face or challenge directly.
• Align: To arrange in a straight line or correct position.
• Even up: To make level or equal.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Square off: Very similar to the confrontation meaning of , often used for two opponents taking positions against each other.
  • The politicians squared off in a televised debate.

Related Idioms

• Square accounts (with someone): To settle a grievance or have a confrontation to resolve issues.
  • He felt he needed to square accounts with his old rival.
• A square deal: A fair and honest agreement or transaction.
  • The company promised its employees a square deal.

Verb

1. settle conclusively; come to terms
   • We finally settled the argument
2. even up the edges of a stack of paper, in printing
3. make square
   • Square the circle
   • square the wood with a file