'Face the music' means accepting responsibility, even when the outcome is tough or uncomfortable.

Difficult Acceptance

This phrase often implies someone has been avoiding or delaying dealing with an unpleasant situation.

Avoidance

Using 'face the music' hints at a sense of dread or inevitability that comes with the situation.

'Face the music' can involve bracing oneself for expected criticism or angry reactions.

The phrase doesn't involve actual music; it refers metaphorically to facing the consequences.

It can mean accepting public judgment, not just from one person, but from a group or community.