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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

"We all wanted this so much. Now face the music."

From BBC • Aug. 25, 2022

Then it would be time to get dressed and face the music, so to speak, but not yet.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood