Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
a bitter pill to swallow
idiom
/ə ˈbɪtər pɪl tə ˈswɑːloʊ/
Definition
A difficult or unpleasant truth that must be accepted.
Examples
- Finding out that he was not getting the promotion was a bitter pill to swallow.
- Realizing that she had to move away from her friends was a bitter pill to swallow.
- After investing so much time in the project, the rejection was a bitter pill to swallow.
Meaning
This phrase refers to a situation that is hard to deal with or accept, often involving a negative realization or consequence.
Synonyms
- a hard truth
- an unpleasant reality
- a tough lesson
