English · Work & Business
face the music
/feɪs ðə ˈmjuː.zɪk/
[/feɪs ðə ˈmjuː.zɪk/]
accept consequences
Intermediatephrase
Definition
To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.
Example
After spending the whole budget, the manager had to face the music at the board meeting.
After spending the whole budget, the manager had to face the music at the board meeting.
Etymology
A 19th-century American phrase, possibly from theatre, where performers faced the orchestra pit.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for confronting consequences one would rather avoid.