reality check

American  

noun

1. a corrective confronting of reality, in order to counteract one's expectations, prejudices, or the like.

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reality check British  

noun

1. an occasion or opportunity to consider a matter realistically or honestly

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reality check Idioms  

1. An assessment to determine if one's circumstances or expectations conform to reality, as in Time for a reality check—wasn't this supposed to be a money-making enterprise? [Slang; second half of 1900s]

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Etymology

Origin of reality check

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

But the State of Natural Resources report's stark findings provide a "reality check" that should put the environment "at the heart of every decision, every policy and every investment Wales makes".

From BBC

See also: Intel delivers a reality check after stock surge fueled by ‘vibes and tweets’

From MarketWatch

See more: Intel delivers a reality check after stock surge fueled by ‘vibes and tweets’

From MarketWatch

Business leaders’ faith in the productivity-boosting powers of AI is getting a reality check—from their own workforces.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Not only does this give you a reality check for your budget, it helps you build up a stock of savings that can be used for moving expenses,” Hale said.

From MarketWatch