a reality check
reality check
An event or outcome that forces one to accept or reevaluate the reality of one's position or situation. I think the government's latest round of legislation is a reality check to those still holding onto the belief that they had lower-class citizens' best interests in mind. The loss against Scotland is bound to be a reality check for England that they need to rethink their strategy on the field.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
a reality check
COMMON A reality check is something that forces you to accept the truth of a situation. This defeat is a reality check after two victories against reasonably good opposition. Today's poll is a reality check for those who believe that the government faces certain defeat.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
References in periodicals archive
Run
a reality check on the following assertions, often trumpeted by client/server's more fanatical adherents.
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