bite the bullet
To force yourself to do something unpleasant
بهطور تحتاللفظی: To grip a small metal projectile between your teeth
Use it when you finally stop avoiding a tough task and just get it over with.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Accepting a difficult situation and doing it anyway.
- Facing unavoidable pain or discomfort with courage.
- Stopping procrastination to finish an unpleasant task.
معنی
It means deciding to finally do something difficult or painful that you have been avoiding. You stop worrying and just get it over with.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Dealing with a car repair
My car has been making a weird noise, so I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and take it to the mechanic.
I have to face the expensive repair and just go.
Workplace accountability
We need to bite the bullet and tell the client that the project will be late.
We must be brave and deliver the bad news.
Texting a friend about a gym session
I really don't want to run in the rain, but I'm gonna bite the bullet and do it.
I'll force myself to run despite the weather.
زمینه فرهنگی
The phrase originated in the 19th century, likely during battlefield surgeries where soldiers bit on lead bullets to endure pain without screaming. It gained massive popularity in literature and film as a symbol of 'British stiff upper lip' and American frontier grit. It reflects a cultural value of facing hardship without complaining.
Pair it with 'Just'
Native speakers almost always say 'just bite the bullet' to add emphasis to the decision.
Don't use for small favors
If a friend asks for a small favor like 'pass the salt,' saying you'll 'bite the bullet' sounds sarcastic or rude.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Accepting a difficult situation and doing it anyway.
- Facing unavoidable pain or discomfort with courage.
- Stopping procrastination to finish an unpleasant task.
What It Means
Imagine you have a task you absolutely hate. Maybe it is a difficult phone call or a pile of laundry. You feel nervous or annoyed just thinking about it. To bite the bullet means you stop hesitating. You accept that the situation will be unpleasant. You decide to face it with courage and get it done anyway.
How To Use It
Use this phrase when someone is procrastinating on a tough choice. It acts as a verb in a sentence. You can say you need to bite the bullet. You can also tell a friend to just bite the bullet. It implies that the pain is temporary but necessary. It is about grit and determination.
When To Use It
Use it when the outcome is unavoidable. Use it at work when you must admit a mistake. Use it with friends when you need to pay a big bill. It is perfect for those "adulting" moments we all dislike. It works well when discussing dental appointments or breakups.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that are actually fun. You do not bite the bullet to go to a party. Avoid using it for extremely tragic situations like a death. It might sound too casual or cold there. Also, do not use it if the task is easy. It requires a bit of struggle to make sense.
Cultural Background
This phrase has a very gritty history. Before modern medicine, soldiers had no anesthesia during surgery. They were given a lead bullet to bite on. This helped them stay quiet and focus through the pain. Today, we use it for mental toughness instead of physical pain. It shows the value English speakers place on stoicism.
Common Variations
You will mostly hear the standard version. Sometimes people say swallow the pill, which is similar but feels more passive. Another variation is face the music. However, bite the bullet is the most common way to describe brave action. It sounds tougher and more proactive than the others.
نکات کاربردی
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any situation where a difficult choice is made. Just remember that it implies a 'one-time' action of courage rather than a long-term habit.
Pair it with 'Just'
Native speakers almost always say 'just bite the bullet' to add emphasis to the decision.
Don't use for small favors
If a friend asks for a small favor like 'pass the salt,' saying you'll 'bite the bullet' sounds sarcastic or rude.
The 'Stiff Upper Lip'
This phrase is the ultimate expression of the 'stiff upper lip' culture—doing your duty without showing emotion.
مثالها
6My car has been making a weird noise, so I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and take it to the mechanic.
I have to face the expensive repair and just go.
Focuses on the financial 'pain' of the situation.
We need to bite the bullet and tell the client that the project will be late.
We must be brave and deliver the bad news.
Used here to show professional responsibility.
I really don't want to run in the rain, but I'm gonna bite the bullet and do it.
I'll force myself to run despite the weather.
Shows personal discipline in a daily routine.
I bit the bullet and ordered a salad while everyone else had pizza. Pray for me.
I forced myself to eat healthy and it was hard.
Uses exaggeration for comedic effect.
He knew the relationship was over, so he finally bit the bullet and initiated the breakup.
He did the hard thing and ended it.
Reflects an emotionally heavy but necessary action.
The board decided to bite the bullet and close the underperforming branches.
The board made the difficult executive decision.
High-stakes decision making.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the correct form of the idiom to complete the sentence.
I hate public speaking, but I'm going to ___ and give the presentation.
The standard idiom is 'bite the bullet' to describe doing something unpleasant like public speaking.
Identify the best context for this phrase.
Which situation best fits 'biting the bullet'?
Biting the bullet requires a situation that is unpleasant or difficult to face.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality of 'Bite the Bullet'
Used with friends for minor annoyances.
Bite the bullet and text him back!
Standard use for life and work challenges.
I had to bite the bullet and buy a new laptop.
Used in business for tough strategic choices.
The company must bite the bullet on these costs.
When to Bite the Bullet
Financial
Paying for a surprise repair
Social
Apologizing after an argument
Health
Going to the dentist
Work
Doing a boring spreadsheet
سوالات متداول
11 سوالNot at all! It is a neutral idiom. However, telling someone else to bite the bullet can sound a bit blunt, like saying 'stop complaining.'
No, it is only for unpleasant things. You wouldn't say I'm biting the bullet and going on vacation.
It can be for small things too. For example, biting the bullet and finally cleaning under your bed counts!
The past tense is bit the bullet. For example: I finally bit the bullet and called my landlord.
Yes, it is very common in business. It shows that you are realistic about difficult costs or changes.
Both use it frequently. The meaning and usage are identical in both dialects.
No, the verb must be bite. If you change the verb, people might not understand you.
Yes, the origin comes from old military history when soldiers bit on actual bullets during surgery.
It will sound like you are being sarcastic. For example, biting the bullet to eat a delicious cake implies you actually hate cake.
No, it is a standard idiom. It is safe to use with your boss or your grandmother.
You can say I am biting the bullet. This means you are currently in the process of doing the hard thing.
عبارات مرتبط
Face the music
To accept the unpleasant consequences of your actions.
Rip the band-aid off
To do something uncomfortable quickly so the pain doesn't last.
Take the plunge
To commit to a course of action, often a big or risky one.
Suck it up
A more informal/harsh way to say 'endure the pain'.
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