English · Emotions & Feelings
a bitter pill to swallow
/ə ˈbɪt.ə pɪl tə ˈswɒl.əʊ/
[/ə ˈbɪt.ə pɪl tə ˈswɒl.əʊ/]
unpleasant fact to accept
Advancedphrase
Definition
An unpleasant fact or situation that is difficult to accept.
Example
Being overlooked for the promotion was a bitter pill to swallow after all his years of loyalty.
Being overlooked for the promotion was a bitter pill to swallow after all his years of loyalty.
Etymology
A phrase dating to the 16th century, comparing harsh truths to medicine that tastes bad.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for something hard but necessary to accept.