face the music

Cultural  

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

---

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.

---

Example Sentences

“Nobody was willing to face the music and request the rate hikes to do that necessary work,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

But the hip-hop stars are now facing the music from their outraged fans online.

From Salon

It seems Adele will face the music for alleged plagiarism as a judge in Brazil orders a worldwide ban on one of the pop star’s songs.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

But Swift’s success belies the troubles facing the music industry, which has announced layoffs and become embroiled in fights with tech companies.

From New York Times