look (one) in the face
To make eye contact with one, typically in a way that is confident or without shame. Look me in the face and tell me you're not lying. I feel so bad for what I said to Erica. I don't know if I'll ever be able to look her in the face again.
look someone in the face
and look someone in the eye; stare someone in the faceFig. to face someone directly. (Facing someone this way is a sign of sincerity.) I don't believe you. Look me in the eye and say that, She looked him in the face and said she never wanted to see him again.
(be unable to) look somebody in the ˈeye(s)/ˈface
(be unable to) look at somebody directly (because you feel embarrassed, ashamed, etc.): I knew he was lying because he wouldn’t look me in the eye when he spoke.