face reality — accept the truth
collocationB2IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To accept or deal with the true situation, even if it is difficult or unpleasant.
Say it like a native
Textbook It is time to confront the actual state of affairs.
Native It's time to face reality.
'Face reality' is the set phrase; 'confront the actual state of affairs' is a board memo.
Pattern: face reality
In use
- After losing his job, he had to face reality and start looking for new opportunities.daily life
- In my opinion, people should face reality when dealing with financial problems instead of pretending everything is fine.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ You need to face to reality.
✓ You need to face reality.
'Face' takes 'reality' directly — no 'to'.
Common collocations
face reality— face reality, let's face it, head-on, finally
Don't confuse it
Do not confuse with 'ignore reality', which means to avoid accepting the truth.