Meaning & Origin

The phrase face the music emerged in 19th‑century American English. Popular theories link it to actors turning toward the orchestra pit (the “music”) to begin a performance, or to soldiers standing before a military band during disciplinary reviews—either way, it signifies confronting something unavoidable.

Pronunciation Guide

Say it as FACE the MU‑sic: /feɪs ðə ˈmjuːzɪk/. Stress FACE and the first syllable of music.

Usage & Sentence Examples

• The company must face the music after the data breach.
• She knew she’d eventually face the music for missing the deadline.
• Let’s face the music and discuss our budget problems openly.

Synonyms

• own up
• take responsibility
• pay the piper
• answer for it
• take the consequences