Bite the bullet

Aug 7

Written By Tracy

What is an idiom? An idiom is a phrase or expression. They are tricky to understand as their meanings do not directly relate to the individual words used in the phrase.

Definition:

The idiom "bite the bullet" means to do something difficult or unpleasant that you cannot avoid. It’s like forcing yourself to do something you don’t want to do, but you know you have to.

Origin:

The origin of the phrase dates back to the 19th century, particularly during times of war. In those days, medical practices were much more primitive, and anesthesia (pain relief) was not always available during surgeries. When soldiers needed surgery, like having a bullet removed, they had to endure the pain.

To help them cope with the pain, soldiers were sometimes given a bullet to bite down on during the procedure. Biting on something hard, like a bullet, was believed to help them focus on the pain in their mouth rather than the more intense pain of the surgery. It also prevented them from biting their tongues.

Examples:

Over time, the phrase "bite the bullet" evolved into a metaphorical expression, meaning to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination, even when it’s painful or uncomfortable.

Here are some examples of how these idioms are used in sentences:

Work situation:

"I know the project is going to be challenging, but we’ll have to bite the bullet and start working on it right away."

Personal decision:

"She didn't want to break up with him, but after months of unhappiness, she decided to bite the bullet and end the relationship."

Health context:

"Even though he's terrified of needles, he decided to bite the bullet and get the vaccine."