belly up to the bar

Etymology
The origin of the phrase "belly up to the bar" can be traced back as early as the 1920s, when it was present in stories like The Wails and Tales of a Tropical Tramp by Cecil Villiers.

Verb

 * 1)  To commit oneself to a challenge or task; to accept a responsibility; to acknowledge a fact.

Usage notes

 * Used especially in business-related or political contexts.