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

The summit was a reality check on just how much global consensus has broken down over what to do about climate change.

From BBC

It is a reality check for a lot of ladies and myself – you can be lonely, you're needing friends.

From BBC

A possible reality check: this deliciously difficult cooperative board game—two players must work together to land airliners in increasingly complex scenarios.

From The Wall Street Journal

Other stories we feature include the rise and fall of the 40-hour workweek, the fermented-food boom and a reality check on antidepressants.

From The Wall Street Journal

And another analysis released today to coincide with COP30 offers a reality check.

From BBC