Reality check

From Fresh Dictionary

English

Noun phrase

reality check

1. a check or review to make sure something is consistent, reasonable, etc.

   Make sure to do a reality check on the idea before releasing it.

2. ((idiomatic{{#if:|, {{{2}}}{{#if:|, {{{3}}}{{#if:|, {{{4}}}{{#if:|, {{{5}}}{{#if:|, {{{6}}}{{#if:|, {{{7}}}{{#if:|, {{{8}}}{{#if:|, {{{9}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}})) a wake-up call, reminder

   That kid needs a reality check before he fails or drops out.