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 check
An assessment to determine if one's circumstances or expectations conform to reality, as in Time for a reality check-wasn't this supposed to be a money-making enterprise? [Slang; second half of 1900s]
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.