Whence "face the music"?

TabbyTom

I don’t think anyone can be sure, but many people say it’s derived from military ceremonies. Brewer mentions the drums playing when charges were read out to an officer who was about to be cashiered. “Facts on File” speaks of the “Rogue’s March” which was played when a soldier was drummed out of the service. Others think it may derive from the stage. A variety (vaudeville) performer has to overcome his stage-fright and face the orchestra pit (and the audience) during his act. Nov 14 05, 6:52 AM

JimmieDancer

The first recorded use is in the Congressional Globe for 4 March 1850: “There should be no skulking or dodging ... every man should ‘face the music’ ”. It seems then to have had the meaning of facing hardship or danger. Only in the 1860s did it take on the sense it now usually has, of taking the consequences of one’s action, or suffering due punishment for some transgression. A second theory is that it is of military origin, though no two writers agree on what that might be. Explanations include a soldier taking his place in the ranks during an assembly, so facing the military band; a cavalry man trying to keep his restless horse quiet while the band is playing; or a soldier being drummed out of his regiment. http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-fac1.htm Jan 15 08, 8:34 PM

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