1
general::
Phrase(s): in reality
viewing things realistically; really. • Jane dreamed it was snowing, but in reality, it was very warm. • John looks happy, but in reality, he is miserable.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Actually, in fact, as in He may seem slow to you, but in reality he's very intelligent. [Second half of 1600s]
American Heritage Idioms