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

This reality check can help reduce guilt over not measuring up.

From BBC

But Emery revealed he had given Rogers a reality check at the interval in a bid to raise his game to even greater heights.

From Barron's

He said it was a "reality check" which forced him to reconsider his career path, and credits his family with being "very supportive" of him at the time.

From BBC

The hope is that the new PCE report, while delayed, will provide a hard-data reality check that will either confirm the downbeat economic mood or prove, once again, that the vibes are all wrong.

From MarketWatch

Victory in the east end of Glasgow will refuel talk of a title push from Derek McInnes' side, but the past month has served as a reality check.

From BBC