In English idioms for competitive exams, the expression "Face the music" is used to describe a situation where a person accepts the unpleasant consequences, criticism, or punishment for what they have done. Choose the alternative that best expresses the meaning of this idiom.

Introduction / Context:
In competitive English exams, idioms are frequently tested because they reveal how well a learner understands real life usage beyond simple dictionary meanings. The idiom "Face the music" is a very common expression in newspapers, conversations, and exams. It is used when someone must finally accept the results of their actions, especially when those results are unpleasant or involve criticism or punishment.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The idiom given in the question is "Face the music".
- The task is to choose the option that best explains the meaning of this idiom in everyday English usage.
- The situation involves accepting consequences rather than escaping from them.

Concept / Approach:
Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot always be guessed from the individual words. The word "music" here does not refer to literal songs or pleasant sound. Instead, "Face the music" is a metaphor. Historically, it may have come from actors standing on stage facing the orchestra or from soldiers facing a band during punishment, but for exam purposes the key idea is to accept blame, punishment, or criticism bravely and directly, without running away.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Read the idiom "Face the music" and recall its common usage in sentences such as "He cheated in the exam and had to face the music later". Step 2: Understand that in such sentences, the person is not being praised or rewarded but is accepting negative consequences. Step 3: Check each option and see which one describes accepting punishment or criticism rather than avoiding it. Step 4: Option A, "Accept punishment or criticism", clearly captures the core idea of the idiom. Step 5: Confirm that no other option expresses this meaning as accurately as option A.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify the meaning by using the idiom in several example sentences. For instance, "After lying to his parents, he finally decided to face the music" clearly means he decided to accept their anger or punishment. Dictionaries and standard exam prep books also gloss "Face the music" as to accept unpleasant consequences or criticism. This confirms that option A is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, "Be loudly applauded for success", is the opposite of the idea because applause is positive, not a consequence of wrongdoing. Option C, "Avoid responsibility and run away", suggests escape, while the idiom actually means facing the situation. Option D, "Be dismissed from a job", is only one specific type of punishment, not the general concept. Option E, "Pretend that nothing has happened", again means avoiding reality, which is not the sense of the idiom.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes think "Face the music" is positive because music is generally pleasant. However, idioms must be learned as whole expressions. Another common mistake is to confuse it with simply attending a performance, which is not correct in idiomatic usage. Always think of the idiom in common scenarios where someone has done something wrong and must now accept what follows.

Final Answer:
The idiom "Face the music" means to accept the unpleasant consequences, criticism, or punishment for one's actions, so the correct option is Accept punishment or criticism.