C1idiominformaldecisionsIELTS-friendly
face the music
USUK
to accept the criticism or punishment for something you have done
Often 'have to face the music'. Used for mistakes and wrongdoing, not for a hard but neutral task (use 'face the challenge').
In context
After missing the deadline, she had to face the music at the Monday meeting.
He ran away from the problem, but sooner or later he must face the music.
More idioms about decisions
- a Catch-22a situation you can't escape because each solution depends on the other
- a change of hearta change in your opinion or plan, usually towards a kinder or different view
- a double-edged swordsomething that has both good and bad effects
- a fait accomplisomething already decided or done that others must now accept
- a foregone conclusiona result that is certain before it happens