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

He said he and his wife Carol would have to "bite the bullet" when it came to their finances.

From BBC • Aug. 23, 2024

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

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

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker