Face the Music

Meaning of Idiom ‘Face the Music’

To face the music means to accept the consequences of one’s actions; to be ready to accept punishment or repercussions for one’s wrongdoings; to confront problems or unpleasantness. ¹,²,³

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Sentence Examples

“It’s time to face the music and admit to your part in the crime,” said the police officer.

“Don’s wife found out about his affair and now he has no choice but to face the music.”

Examples From Movies and TV

“Okay, Billy got caught. There’s nothing I can do about that now. He’ll have to face the music on his own. But you and me, we’re gonna start over.” — Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)

“Well, I don’t see what choice you have. You either go home and face the music or you suffocate in your own pee.” — Dumb and Dumber To (2014)

“I say on behalf of the American people, come home. Face the music, whatever that may be. The election`s in 11 days. Let the American people decide.” — Wag the Dog (1998)

“Man, what we gonna do?” “I don’t know yet. Tsk.” “I know what I’m gonna do. I’m goin’ home and face the music.” “My dad finds out I got fired again, man, he’s gonna kick my ass.” — Next Friday (2000)

“I can’t take it anymore. I tried to roll with it but it’s time to face the music.” — Living in Oblivion (1995)

Origin

Used since the second half of the 1800’s.

The precise origin of this idiom is unknown but there are two common theories as to its allusion. One is that the phrase comes from the theater, where the music was played by the pit orchestra in front of the stage. Performers would have to face the orchestra, and thus the crowd, which would deliver its disapproval if the show did not go well. The other theory is that it comes from the military, where soldiers who were dishonorably discharges were dismissed with band music. ⁴ The actual tradition, however, was to be drummed out.

More Idioms Starting with F

• Fight Like Cats and Dogs
• From Your Lips to God’s Ears
• Fox Guarding the Henhouse
• Friends in High Places
• Flat Broke

More Face Idioms

• In One’s Face
• Egg On Your Face, to have
• Face It
• Keep A Straight Face
• At Face Value (to take something)

More Music Idioms

• Music to My Ears
• For a Song
• Play It By Ear
• Play Second Fiddle
• Fit as a Fiddle

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References

1. Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008.
2.  Jarvie, Gordon. Bloomsbury Dictionary of Idioms. London: Bloomsbury, 2009.
3. Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
4. Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.