Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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

It seems Adele will face the music for alleged plagiarism as a judge in Brazil orders a worldwide ban on one of the pop star’s songs.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2024

Prosecutors said Mr Smith was set to finally "face the music" following their investigation, which also involved the FBI.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2024

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

From Slate • Aug. 23, 2023

It’s one thing to ride a bus, but they eventually had to get off and face the music.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers