Looking up...
bite the bullet
/ˌbaɪt ðə ˈbʊlɪt/◆idiom
endure a painful situation
She didn’t want to apologize, but she knew she had to bite the bullet and admit her mistake.
She accepted the unpleasant task of admitting her error despite reluctance.
informal
to endure a difficult, painful, or unpleasant situation with courage and resolve, especially when no alternative is available
The company had to bite the bullet and lay off employees to survive the financial crisis.
The company accepted the painful necessity of reducing staff to remain solvent.
He bit the bullet and asked his boss for a raise after months of hesitation.
He forced himself to confront the uncomfortable task of requesting compensation.
Often used when someone must face an unavoidable but distressing task or decision.
Collocations
bite the bullet andaccept the unpleasant task of
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use 'bite the bullet'
Use this phrase when someone must face a difficult decision or task they have been avoiding. It emphasizes bravery in the face of unavoidable pain or discomfort.
Gold Rule
Avoid literal interpretation
This is an idiom. Do not confuse it with the physical act of biting a bullet; it always refers to enduring emotional or situational pain.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from the historical practice of having patients bite on a bullet during surgery to endure pain without chloroform or other anesthesia. The earliest known written use is from the mid-19th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to describe accepting an unpleasant but necessary action. The phrase implies stoicism and courage in the face of adversity.
Word Breakdown
bite
to endure or accept something difficult
verbthe bullet
a painful or unavoidable situation
noun phraseEnglish Dictionary