Why is it called Facing the music?
In 1851, the writer James Fenimore Cooper reportedly explained “face the music” as a theatrical term. In a theater, the orchestra often sits in front of the stage. So, actors come on stage facing the musicians.
Where did about face come from?
The American military drill command about-face, dating from the late 19th century, originally meant to turn about in the opposite direction. That meaning remains, but about-face is now more commonly used figuratively to mean a complete, sudden change in position, principle, or attitude.
What does the saying face the music mean?
accept unpleasant consequences
To accept unpleasant consequences: “After several years of cheating his employer, the embezzler finally had to face the music.”
When did about face start?
First attested in 1861. First used in the imperative in the military.
What does the saying egg on your face mean?
appearing foolish
Definition of with egg on one’s face : appearing foolish usually because something one said would happen has not happened The unexpected election result left a lot of journalists with egg on their faces.
What does it mean best of both worlds?
Definition of the best of both worlds : all the advantages of two different situations and none of the disadvantages I have the best of both worlds—a wonderful family and a great job.
Did the about face?
Reverse one’s opinion or course of action. For example, The board did an about-face on acquiring more land, or We expected Dad to do a flip-flop concerning our vacation plans, or They had relied on Jim to vote for Harry, but he did a one-eighty and cast his vote for the incumbent.
What does did an about face mean?
a reversal of direction
Definition of about-face 1 : a 180° turn to the right from the position of attention. 2 : a reversal of direction. 3 : a reversal of attitude, behavior, or point of view.
What does painting the town red mean?
to go out drinking, dancing
Definition of paint the town (red) : to go out drinking, dancing, etc.
Did an about face?
What means about face?
Definition of about-face 1 : a 180° turn to the right from the position of attention. 2 : a reversal of direction. 3 : a reversal of attitude, behavior, or point of view.
What is the origin of the phrase face the music?
Origin of Face the Music. Whatever the exact source, the phrase appears to come from around the year 1850 and have an American origin. Its now well-established meaning is to meet the consequences of your decisions head on. A synonym of this phrase is face up to something.
Who faced the music when they went on stage?
A second popular theory is that it was actors who ‘faced the music’, that is, faced the orchestra pit, when they went on stage. A third theory, less likely but quite interesting none the less, was recounted with some confidence by a member of the choir at a choral concert I attended recently in Sheffield.
What is the origin of the musical “Rogue March?
One origin story points to early American theater, where the orchestra was in a pit, which the actor faced along with what could have been a hostile audience. Another origin story points to the military, where a soldier’s disgraceful dismissal might be accompanied by the band’s playing the “Rogue March.”