Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom in the given sentence.
After several years of cheating on his PhD work, the candidate finally had to face the music and lose the opportunity.

Correct option is C

Option (c) is the correct meaning of the given idiom.
Given Idiom: Face the music means to accept the punishment or consequences for one's actions, especially when those actions were wrong. (गलत कार्यों की सज़ा भुगतना)
Example: After breaking the school window, the boys had to face the music from the principal.
Other related idioms and their meanings:
· Pay the piper – To face consequences
· Bite the bullet – To endure something unpleasant
· Take the heat – To face criticism
Other options are incorrect because:
· (a) Be exposed – Means to be revealed, not necessarily punished. (सिर्फ सामने आना, सज़ा नहीं)
· (b) Choose another alternative that is uninteresting – Not related to facing consequences.
· (d) Accept ignorance – Means to admit you don’t know something; unrelated.