face the music
idiom

- to accept criticism or punishment for something you have done

Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

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ORIGIN

Here are three suggestions regarding the origin of the phrase “face the music”:

1. In musical theatre: Nervous actors were required to sum up the courage to face the audience across a sunken orchestra pit.

2. In the military: an officer accused of dishonourable conduct would be publicly stripped of his rank to the sound of drumming from a military band.

3. In church: in 17th century England, after the civil war, loyalty to the crown was demonstrated by the congregation facing the altar and a large coat of arms of the reigning monarch. Nearby a band or small group played music. At the end of each service the priest would instruct the congregation to “Stand and face the music”.

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For fans of 1930s Hollywood films, this expression may bring back memories of Irving Berlin’s “Let’s face the music and dance” sung by Fred Astaire:

“There may be trouble ahead
But while there’s music and moonlight
And love and romance
Let’s face the music and dance.”

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FACING THE MUSIC FROM FORD

One of Henry Ford’s senior managers resigned after making a wrong investment decision which had led to a $10 million loss. According to legend, Ford rejected the resignation saying: “Are you crazy? We just invested $10 million in your education!”

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SYNONYMS

bite the bullet, come to grips with, face the facts, face the storm, FACE THE MUSIC, grasp the nettle, grin and bear it, make one’s bed and lie on it, pay the piper, stand up and take it, suck it up, swallow the pill, take the consequences, take one’s medicine, take the flak, take the heat, take the rap

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PRACTICE OWAD in an English conversation, say something like:

“As responsible team leader, Jim will have to FACE THE MUSIC at the board meeting tomorrow.”

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Paul Smith