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

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

Social media analyst Paolo Pescatore said it was a "reality check" for TikTok - and a "warning shot" for every social media platform.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Jan. 23, 2026

It was a total lie—but they needed a reality check, and they wouldn’t call Mamá to confirm my story.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall