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

It might also serve as something of a reality check.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

While the reality check shows no evidence of “runaway retirement benefits,” that finding does not mean that benefits are optimally designed.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Fast-casual restaurant stocks were the growth darlings of the postpandemic dining boom, but the past year has been a reality check.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

This was a reality check for the brand’s parent company Kering that a turnaround may take longer than hoped.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

"Of course she does. But she has you around to give her a reality check from time to time."

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda