face the music

VERB

accept the consequences

Synonyms

WEAK

be punished bite the bullet come to grips with face the facts face up to face up to it grin and bear it look square in the eye make one's bed and lie on it pay the piper swallow the pill take one's lumps take one's medicine take the consequences

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Nobody was willing to face the music and request the rate hikes to do that necessary work,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

Prosecutors said Mr Smith was set to finally "face the music" following their investigation, which also involved the FBI.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2024

It's fun watching such bad guys face the music, but there is one thing all these cases are lacking, if one craves a satisfying tale of crime and punishment: Sympathetic victims.

From Salon • Oct. 12, 2023

Here’s why his efforts to not face the music in Fulton County should ultimately fail.

From Slate • Aug. 23, 2023

I glance at the clock—three minutes until he closes it and I have to face the music.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone

face the music

Example Sentences

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