Bite the bullet

usgb
verb

To have courage when facing a difficult or painful task.

I hate going to the dentist, but I'll just have to bite the bullet.
Visual representation of "bite the bullet" - To have courage when facing a difficult or painful task

Often appears as...

  • have to bite the bullet
  • just bite the bullet

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "bite the bullet"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Dealing with Unpleasantness

The phrase expresses the need to confront something unavoidable and unpleasant with resolve.

Illustration for Dealing with Unpleasantness
When it was time to clean the garage, I just had to bite the bullet.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Enjoyable

Using 'bite the bullet' implies the speaker is not looking forward to the action, but sees it as necessary.

Illustration for Not Enjoyable
We need to bite the bullet and discuss our budget cuts.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Suggests Immediacy

The phrase often implies that the action should happen soon, without further delay.

Illustration for Suggests Immediacy
We've postponed this meeting too often; it's time to bite the bullet.
Visual representation of the word "Bite the bullet"

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