bite the bullet

Idiom

Bite the bullet

Definition

This idiom means to accept something unpleasant or difficult that must be done.

Examples

The team had to bite the bullet and accept their leader’s decision.

She had to bite the bullet and take on the extra work.

Origin

This phrase originated from the practice of giving a bullet to a wounded soldier to bite down on in order to endure the pain of a medical procedure.

FAQs

What does the phrase mean?

The phrase ‘bite the bullet’ means to accept something unpleasant or difficult that must be done.

Where did the phrase originate from?

This phrase originated from the practice of giving a bullet to a wounded soldier to bite down on in order to endure the pain of a medical procedure.