Bite the bullet

Bite the bullet

Definition
Bite the bullet
Bite the bullet.jpg

"Bite the bullet" is an idiomatic expression that originated from the practice of having soldiers bite down on a bullet during medical procedures to endure the pain without making noise and alerting the enemy. Metaphorically, it means to endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and determination, often accepting it as inevitable. This phrase implies facing a challenging circumstance head-on, despite the discomfort or adversity it may bring.

The idiom "bite the bullet" also suggests taking decisive action or making a difficult decision, especially when there are no preferable alternatives. It conveys the notion of confronting unpleasant realities and bravely accepting the consequences. For example, if someone is facing a tough financial situation, they might "bite the bullet" by cutting expenses or taking on extra work to overcome their difficulties. Overall, this expression encapsulates the idea of confronting hardships with resilience and fortitude, acknowledging that sometimes, enduring temporary discomfort is necessary to achieve a better outcome in the long run.

Similar idioms: Sorry, I Dropped The Ball On That | We're In The Homestretch | Let's Not Reinvent The Wheel | We're Playing Catch-Up | Put The Cart Before The Horse

Example sentences
Faced with mounting debt, they had to bite the bullet and sell their family home.
Despite the risks, she decided to bite the bullet and pursue her dream of starting her own business.
Despite the pain, she bit the bullet and endured the grueling physical therapy sessions to regain mobility.
Knowing it was the right thing to do, she bit the bullet and confessed to her mistake.
After months of deliberation, the company had to bite the bullet and downsize its workforce.