v. phr. , informal To go through trouble or danger, especially because of something you did; accept your punishment. The boy was caught cheating in an examination and had to face the music. The official who had been taking bribes was exposed by a newspaper, and had to face the music. George knew his mother would cry when he told her, but he decided to go home and face the music.
Compare: MAKE ONE'S BED AND LIE IN IT, PAY THE PIPER, TAKE ONE'S MEDICINE.