bitter pill to swallow
Meaning
An unpleasant truth or situation that is hard to accept.
Origin
From the literal idea that medicine can taste bitter and be difficult to swallow; by the 1800s it was commonly used as a metaphor for accepting unpleasant realities.
Notes
Used for reluctantly accepting bad news, criticism, or an unfavorable outcome. Neutral to slightly informal; can sound pointed if aimed at someone.
Examples
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Getting laid off after ten years at the company was a bitter pill to swallow.
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It was a bitter pill to swallow when she realized her promotion went to someone else.
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Admitting that I was wrong was a bitter pill to swallow, but it helped us move forward.
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The news that the project had been canceled was a bitter pill to swallow for the whole team.
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Paying the penalty was a bitter pill to swallow, but it was the price of missing the deadline.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually appears as βa bitter pill to swallow,β often after forms of be: βIt was a bitter pill to swallow.β Can be modified (βanother/pretty/very bitter pill to swallowβ).
Synonyms
- hard truth
- tough pill to swallow
- a hard thing to accept
- unpleasant reality
Antonyms
- easy to accept
- a welcome relief