Definitions

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.

But Hegseth and maybe Waltz are more likely than anyone to face the music for the cacophony they caused — if anyone does.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2025

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

From Slate • Aug. 23, 2023

The former president, Johnson believes, needs to face the music if he’s found guilty.

From Washington Post • Apr. 4, 2023

It’s time to face the music as the winner is revealed on the season finale of “The Masked Singer.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2021

Emma shook her head, but all we could do was go in and face the music.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs