own up

own up (third-person singular simple present owns up, present participle owning up, simple past and past participle owned up)

1. (idiomatic) to acknowledge, confess, or admit guilt or reponsibility. Often used with to.

   I'll own up: I glued your mouse to its mat.

   If you own up to breaking the glass, you'll be forgiven.

   Synonyms: fess up, come clean