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

Shares of Nebius Group slid on Tuesday as investors got a reality check on the costs of the company’s AI-infrastructure buildout.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

I used the feature repeatedly in London this week for a reality check given the weaker dollar.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Heated Rivalry’s progressive, hockey-curious audience gets a reality check from the US Men’s team in Italy.

From Slate • Feb. 26, 2026

Hines said it was time for a reality check with her client about living within his means off Social Security and income from any work that might come his way.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

“A lot of stuff can make you anxious. I’m sorry you’ve been carrying around something like that. What a thing to be thinking about! But sometimes everyone needs a reality check, right?”

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman