back to reality
1. Once again considering or cognizant of the true nature of something after fantasizing or being overly optimistic about it. He really needs to come back to reality—there's no way he's getting into such a prestigious school with his mediocre grades. I was excited to book a vacation until my empty bank account brought me back to reality. Those newlyweds think that marriage is utterly blissful, but they'll come back to reality soon enough.
2. Once again dealing with or existing in one's normal state or routine, as after an especially pleasurable hiatus or vacation. A: "How was your trip to the Greek islands?" B: "Oh, it was like a dream, truly one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. Back to reality now, though." After spending six weeks in Japan, I had a really hard time coming back to reality. Everyone took a two-week break after the successful launch of our latest product, but now it's back to reality.
bite of the reality sandwich
Recognition of certain delusions, flaws, or misconceptions regarding a particular situation or task at hand. Most often used as office jargon in a business or place of work. I know you think this new product will solve all of our problems, but you really need to take a bite of the reality sandwich. If Becky still thinks she's getting that promotion, even though she's late every day, she seriously needs a bite of the reality sandwich! I know they're not going to give me that big office. I guess you could say I've taken a bite of the reality sandwich.
bring (one) back to reality
To cause one who is fantasizing or being overly optimistic to remember or consider the true nature of something. Someone needs to bring him back to reality because there's no way he's getting into that school with his mediocre grades. I was excited to book a vacation until my nearly depleted bank account brought me back to reality. Those newlyweds think that marriage is utterly blissful, but the stresses of everyday life will bring them back to reality soon enough.
detached from reality
Psychologically, emotionally, or intellectually separated from the outside world or from realistic, logical thought. When my mental illness was at its worst, I became completely detached from reality. The council's plan to build an interstate through the middle of town is just nonsense, it's completely detached from reality! He builds all of his policies from theory and what he studied in books—it's all completely detached from reality.
in reality
Actually; really; in fact. A lot of people believe the total number to be low, when, in reality, it's the highest it's ever been. In reality, millions of people live in abject poverty every single day, no matter how many politicians try to deny it. I know that's the rumor, but, in reality, I never said that—I promise you!
lose touch with reality
To no longer have a firm or clear understanding of real life; to lose one's ability for clear, rational thought. A possessive adjective can be used between "lose" and "reality." The poor guy sort of lost touch with reality after the death of his children. I feel like I'm losing my touch with reality lately—I think I might need to see a psychiatrist.
nothing could be further from (something)
What we are discussing is the complete opposite of something. They claim that the tax overhaul was designed with lower- and middle-class earners in mind, but nothing could be further from the truth! Nothing could be further from reality—I have never accepted bribes in my entire career.
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.
reality of the situation
What is actually happening in or true about a particular situation or scenario. The reality of the situation is that the company will go bankrupt in the next three years if we don't significantly improve our revenue streams. I know you're worried about him, but the reality of the situation is that he's just a toddler going through a bit of a boisterous phase.
take a bite of the reality sandwich
To recognize and address certain delusions, flaws, or misconceptions regarding a particular situation or task at hand. Most often used as office jargon in a business or place of work. I know you think this new product will solve all of our problems, but you really need to take a bite of the reality sandwich.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
bring someone back to reality
to force someone to face reality. The rain shower brought her back to reality. Liz was brought back to reality by a rude shock.
in reality
viewing things realistically; really. Jane dreamed it was snowing, but in reality, it was very warm. John looks happy, but in reality, he is miserable.
lose touch with reality
to began to think unrealistically; to become unrealistic. I am so overworked that I am losing touch with reality. The psychotic criminal had lost touch with reality.
reality of the situation
the truth or actuality of the situation; the way the situation really is. The reality of the situation is that we must act right now. Let's face the reality of the situation and go out and get jobs so we can pay our bills.
virtual reality
Fig. computer imaging that attempts to mimic real scenes or places. The movie had so much virtual reality that the regular photographic scenes began to look funny.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.