1. To orient something along a particular line or angle of something else. A noun or pronoun can be used before or after "up." Make sure you square up the picture frame with the wall and ceiling before you hammer in the nails to hang it. He squared the plank up with the one below it and hammered it into place.

2. To orient one's body to be directly in front of something, especially in a focused, determined, or resolute manner. A reflexive pronoun can be used between "square" and "up." Make sure you square yourself up with the tee before you swing the golf club. He squared up with the mirror after the surgery, bracing for what he was about to see.

3. To confront someone in defiance or hostility or in preparation for a fight. He squared up with the guy who had been making lewd remarks about his girlfriend. Protestors squared up with police during the march, but thankfully there was no violence.

4. To settle a debt with someone; to pay someone what is owed. You guys go on ahead while I square up with the waiter. Hey, I finally got paid, so I'd like to settle up with you for that money you lent me last month.

5. To make something conform to or agree with something else. A noun or pronoun can be used before or after "up." Make sure you square your story up with mine before you're called into the principal's office. People are having trouble squaring up the vision they have in their heads with reality when they come to Japan for the first time.