# mugged by reality

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/mugged-by-reality
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Of a person, having experienced a sudden, harsh, confrontation with the truth or reality of a situation.

## Examples

- He was mugged by reality when he saw his bank balance.
- After months of planning his dream business, he was mugged by reality when the first month of sales failed to cover his rent.
- The idealistic young politician was quickly mugged by reality upon discovering that the legislative process was far more cynical and slow than he had ever imagined.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.