Definitions

bite the bullet

VERB

endure pain bravely

Synonyms

WEAK

be forced bow to fate cross the Rubicon face the music have no choice know no alternative leap into the breach pay the piper seize the opportunity stand up and take it suck it up swallow the pill take it take one's medicine take the rap

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At 66, he wondered whether it was time to bite the bullet.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

“But with a strong enough discount, people may bite the bullet and get one.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2025

“I’ll bite the bullet again,” Gobert said after that game.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2024

I made the decision there that we’re going to bite the bullet and get an e-bike.

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2023

I bite the bullet and rip off my shirt.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy