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

“The only way to avoid this problem is not to have the lease in the first place and they should bite the bullet and get rid of it,” James added.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2023

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

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2023

"I'm not the kind of person who finds it easy to ask for help but I'd urge anyone to do it, don't shy away from it - bite the bullet," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2023

Unless you bite the bullet, you’ll shoot yourself in the foot.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

bite the bullet

Example Sentences

Related Words