Idiom
bite the bullet
Meanings
To decide to do something difficult or unpleasant because it must be done.
Definition
To bite the bullet means to force yourself to do something difficult or unpleasant because you cannot avoid it.
If you bite the bullet, you accept a tough situation and take action even though it will be painful, scary, or inconvenient. It often suggests courage and practicality when there is no better option. People use it when they finally stop delaying and deal with the problem directly.
Examples
- I finally bit the bullet and went to the dentist.
- We’ll have to bite the bullet and cut our spending this month.
- She bit the bullet and apologized even though it was uncomfortable.
- After weeks of delay, he bit the bullet and told his boss the truth.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use it for sudden accidents or physical pain, but it mainly means choosing to face a difficult task or decision on purpose.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.