1
general::
1. With the upper surface put down, as in Please put these papers face down. This usage appears to come from cardplaying. [First half of 1600s] The antonym, "with the upper surface uppermost," is face up. 2. Overcome, intimidate, or browbeat someone in a bold confrontation. This verbal expression dates from the 16th century. Shakespeare used it in The Comedy of Errors (3:1): "Here's a villain that would face me down."
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): face someone down
to make a face-to-face stand with someone who eventually backs down. • Chuck succeeded in facing Tom down. • Facing down Tom wasn’t difficult for Chuck., Phrase(s): face something down
to turn something face downward. • Ted drew a card and faced it down. • Face your cards down when you leave the card table.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs