feɪs ðə ˈmjuːzɪk
General
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- To turn and face musicians playing
What does "face the music" mean?
- To accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions
- To confront a difficult situation bravely
Examples
- He made the mistake, now he has to face the music.
- It's time to face the music and admit we were wrong.
- After hiding the truth, she finally had to face the music.
Origin
Multiple theories exist: from theater (actors facing the orchestra pit), military drumming out ceremonies, or church organ placement. First recorded in America in the 1850s.
How to use it
Common expression for taking responsibility. Implies courage in facing unpleasant situations.
Similar expressions
face the consequences
take responsibility
own up
Opposites
run away
avoid responsibility
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "face the music" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.