face the music

Cultural  

1. To accept unpleasant consequences: “After several years of cheating his employer, the embezzler finally had to face the music.”

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face the music Idioms  

1. Confront unpleasantness, especially the consequences of one's errors. For example, When the check bounced, he had to face the music. The precise allusion in this expression has been lost. Most authorities believe it refers to a theater's pit orchestra, which an actor must face when he faces what can be a hostile audience, but some hold it comes from the military, where a formal dismissal in disgrace would be accompanied by band music. [Second half of 1800s] Also see face up to.

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Example Sentences

But Hegseth and maybe Waltz are more likely than anyone to face the music for the cacophony they caused — if anyone does.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2025

Prosecutors said Mr Smith was set to finally "face the music" following their investigation, which also involved the FBI.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2024

A Los Angeles radio host wants 50 Cent to face the music, alleging in a lawsuit filed Thursday that the “Candy Shop” rapper chucked a microphone at her head during a concert in August.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2024

Here’s why his efforts to not face the music in Fulton County should ultimately fail.

From Slate • Aug. 23, 2023

Emma shook her head, but all we could do was go in and face the music.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs