There's a harsh reality to situations where demand outstrips supply.

The cold harsh reality is that we have to balance the budget.

But it turned out life was more like the kind of song the Stones wrote: you didn't get any satisfaction, you took one hit to the body after another, if you were a woman you were a bitch who belonged under someone's thumb, and if you wanted mother's little helper from your dear doctor you better have the silver, take it or leave it, and don't come crying for sympathy, that was just for the devil.

A pleasant illusion is better than a harsh reality

A lot of independent films offer a harsh reality check.

There's a harsh reality - nothing lasts forever. You have to be ready to grow, and grow fast.