bite the bullet
English
Etymology
Possibly from the reported practice of soldiers biting a bullet to avoid crying out in pain, usually during a medical procedure or punishment.
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb
bite the bullet (third-person singular simple present bites the bullet, present participle biting the bullet, simple past bit the bullet, past participle bitten the bullet)
- (idiomatic) To endure a punishment or consequence with dignity or stoicism.
- (idiomatic) To accept a negative aspect of a situation in order to proceed.
Related terms
- grit one's teeth
- take one's licks
Translations
endure punishment with dignity or accept a negative aspect of a situation
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