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Face the music

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Photo of a military band
To face the music means to accept the unpleasant consequences of something you have done. It is used when someone must deal with criticism or something difficult instead of avoiding it.

The expression may come from military ceremonies where a disgraced soldier had to stand in front of the band while being punished. Another explanation links it to actors stepping on stage to face the orchestra and the audience.

After skipping work without an excuse, he knew he had to face the music.