bite the bullet
Short definition: The phrase bite the bullet means to face a painful, difficult, or unpleasant situation with courage and determination, accepting what must be done instead of delaying it or trying to avoid the discomfort.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrase bite the bullet? This idiom is very common in everyday English when people talk about facing something unpleasant. To bite the bullet means forcing yourself to do something difficult, painful, or uncomfortable because it cannot be avoided. You will hear it in conversations about decisions, responsibilities, and tough situations. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with long definitions and realistic examples.
Forms: bite the bullet (fixed idiom)
Related: endure v., accept v., face v.
Syllable: bite the bul-let
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(Idiom) To force yourself to face or do something painful, difficult, or unpleasant.
To bite the bullet means accepting that something uncomfortable must be done and choosing to face it directly. The situation may involve emotional stress, physical discomfort, or financial difficulty. People use this idiom when there is no easy alternative. It highlights courage, acceptance, and determination.
She finally bit the bullet and went to the dentist despite her fear.He had to bite the bullet and admit his mistake to the team.They bit the bullet and paid for the repairs rather than delaying them.Synonyms: face the problem, accept the pain, endure hardship, confront the issue, tough it out, do what must be done, brace yourself, accept reality, swallow your pride, take the hit, face the music, endure the difficulty
Antonyms: avoid the issue, delay action, run away, refuse to face it, put it off, escape responsibility, dodge the problem, procrastinate, deny reality, avoid pain, ignore the issue, shy away -
(Idiom) To stop delaying and finally make a hard decision.
Bite the bullet can also mean ending hesitation and taking action. The focus here is on decision-making rather than pain itself. People often use this sense when they have been postponing something difficult. It suggests mental readiness and commitment.
After weeks of hesitation, he bit the bullet and resigned from the job.She decided to bite the bullet and start the conversation she had been avoiding.They bit the bullet and moved abroad despite the risks.Synonyms: make a hard decision, stop hesitating, take action, commit fully, decide firmly, act decisively, face the choice, take the plunge, move forward, settle the matter, confront the decision, break the delay
Antonyms: hesitate, delay the decision, remain undecided, stall, avoid deciding, keep postponing, sit on the fence, procrastinate further, refuse to choose, stay uncertain, hold back, wait endlessly
