bitter pill to swallow
Unpleasant but necessary
A bitter pill to swallow is something unpleasant that must be accepted or endured.
The metaphor draws on medicine—a treatment that helps even though it tastes bad.
The phrase usually describes unwelcome truths, disappointing outcomes, or humbling experiences: Losing to our rivals was a bitter pill to swallow.
Often shortened to a bitter pill.
- sugarcoat the pillMake harsh news gentler
- unpleasantCausing discomfort or distaste
- painful truthFact that hurts
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
tough break · face the music · setback · resignation · harsh reality · defeat · eat crow · eat humble pie · regret · acceptance · failure · difficulty · unwelcome · cold comfort · facing up to · come to terms · rejection · bite the bullet
bitter pill to swallowgood news
Favorable information received
pleasant surprise · blessing · stroke of luck · dream come true · gift
bitter pill to swallowno-brainer
Self-evident decision
walk in the park · piece of cake · foregone conclusion · easy win · smooth sailing
bitter, bitterly, bitterness, pills, swallow, swallowed, swallowing, swallows, swallower