face the music

Fig. to receive punishment; to accept the unpleasant results of one's actions. Mary broke a dining-room window and had to face the music when her father got home. After failing a math test, Tom had to go home and face the music.

to accept responsibility for something you have done Knight was returned to the US from Spain to face the music for his part in a robbery more than 20 years ago.

to accept criticism or punishment for something that you have done When the missing money was noticed, he chose to disappear rather than face the music.

Confront unpleasantness, especially the consequences of one's errors. For example, When the check bounced, he had to face the music. The precise allusion in this expression has been lost. Most authorities believe it refers to a theater's pit orchestra, which an actor must face when he faces what can be a hostile audience, but some hold it comes from the military, where a formal dismissal in disgrace would be accompanied by band music. [Second half of 1800s] Also see face up to.

To accept the unpleasant consequences, especially of one's own actions.