Idiom – Face the Music

Face the Music – Idiom of the Day

Meaning:

Be confronted with the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions.

Origin:

The phrase originated in America in the mid 1800s. The precise origin of this phrase is not known, but there are theories which have not been proven. One theory says that it originated in the military, where disgraced officers were dismissed to the beating of drums and band music. Another theory is it comes from theatre, where the actors have to face the orchestra pit. 

Examples:

1. Tyler was caught smoking marijuana in a classroom and now had to face the music in a disciplinary hearing.
2. I had to face the music in front of an inquiry committee because of my last campaign speech which ruffled a few feathers.
3. The captain was going to face the music in front of the press after allegations of sledging on the field.
4. Don’t do anything outrageous like break a window or something, or you will face the music, I swear!
5. I once drew some offensive graffiti on a wall which belonged to the mayor’s house. Needless to say, I had to face the music.
6. I lost count of how many times I faced the music for various petty crimes when I was younger. Man, you’re only young once!