in one's face

in one's face  {adv. phr.}

1. Against your face.

The trick cigar blew up in the clown's face.

A cold wind was in our faces as we walked to school.

2. In front of you.

The maid slammed the door in the salesman's face.

I told the boys that they were wrong, but they laughed in my face.

Compare:

IN THE FACE OF,

THROW SOMETHING IN ONE'S FACE,

TO ONE'S FACE,

UNDER ONE'S NOSE.