verb phrase🎓 English idiom

face the music

to accept the consequences of your actions

What it means

To confront and accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions. It implies not running away from criticism, punishment, or a difficult outcome.

Examples

  • After missing the deadline, he had to face the music with his boss.
  • Sooner or later you'll have to face the music and admit what happened.
  • She decided to face the music and apologise to everyone she had upset.
  • Rather than hide the mistake, the company faced the music and issued a refund.

Where it comes from

A 19th-century American expression of uncertain source, variously linked to actors facing the orchestra pit or to soldiers being drummed out of service.

Related idioms

#bite the bullet#in hot water#take the bull by the horns#caught red-handed

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