Is 'face the facts' a metaphor?

Yes, "face the facts" is considered a metaphor. It conveys the idea of confronting reality or acknowledging the truth of a situation, often implying that one must stop avoiding or denying uncomfortable truths. The phrase uses the imagery of "facing" to suggest direct engagement with the facts, rather than literally confronting a physical face. This figurative language emphasizes the importance of honesty and awareness in decision-making or problem-solving.