In literal terms facing the music means to turn your body to the direction of the music and stand in front of it. But if your friend or your parents tell you to face the music, there’s a much harsher meaning.
It means to “face reality” or to deal with the reality of the situation and accept all the consequences good or bad (but mostly bad). Perhaps you’ve been avoiding something because you feel unsure or scared of the outcome. Maybe you lied to your teacher and she discovered the truth and now you have to face the music and accept the punishment.
“I can’t understand why I failed math.”
“You know you didn’t study hard, so you’re going to have to face the music and take the class again next semester if you really want to graduate when you do.”
Sound weird? Well, you’re right, it does, how can anyone literally go cold turkey? A person can’t transform into the bird we all love to eat for celebrations such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.
The origins of this English idiom are strange and to go cold turkey means to suddenly quit or stop addictive or dangerous behavior such as smoking or drinking alcohol.
This English idiom is said to have originated in the late 20th century and suggests that a person who suddenly quits something addictive—such as drugs or alcohol—suffers from side effects that look like a cold, uncooked turkey. This includes pale (very white) skin and goosebumps (little small bumps on the skin when we’re cold or sick).
“Shall I get your mom a glass of wine?”
“No, she’s stopped drinking?”
“Really, why?”
“I don’t know. A few months ago, she just announced one day she’s quitting drinking.”
“She just quit cold turkey?”
“Yes, just like that!”
1Alice isn’t interested in(look) looking for a new job.
2Henry is excited (leave) for India.
3You are capable (do) better work.
4I have no excuse (be) late.
5I’m accustomed (have) a big breakfast.
6The rain prevented us (complete) the work.
7Fred is always complaining (have) a headache.
8Instead (study) , Margaret went to a ball game with some of her friends.
9Thank you (help) me carry the packages to the post office.
10Mrs. Grant insisted (know) the whole truth.
11He showed us how to get to his house (draw) a map.
12You should take advantage (live) here.
13Laura had a good reason (go, not) to class yesterday.
14Everyone in the neighborhood participated (search) for the lost child.
