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

Southampton City Council regulates the maximum fares for licensed hackney carriage vehicles within the city boundary, which means drivers have to "bite the bullet" and soak up those increased costs, McMillan said.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Well, you can bite the bullet if you intend to live in your home for many years.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 17, 2023

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

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2023

Even if they slip on out owing you some money, you got to bite the bullet, give up some slack, and let them be on their way.

From "145th Street: Short Stories" by Walter Dean Myers

bite the bullet

Example Sentences

Related Words