“Bite the Bullet” Meaning, Origin and Examples

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The idiomatic phrase “bite the bullet” may be a phrase that you encounter frequently in everyday informal conversation and writing. In this reference, you will find the meaning of this phrase and the information regarding its origin. You will also see some examples of how to properly use this phrase in conversations/statements and discover alternative ways to say the same phrase while still conveying the same meaning.

Bite The Bullet Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Bite the bullet” means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage, accepting that it must be dealt with, even though it may be tough or uncomfortable. It encourages acting bravely in the face of hardship or challenges.
Bite the Bullet Meaning
Bite the Bullet Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Bite The Bullet Meaning

The phrase “bite the bullet” means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination, often because it cannot be avoided. It suggests accepting the hardship and dealing with it bravely.

  • “I hate going to the dentist, but I’ll have to bite the bullet and make an appointment.”
  • “She didn’t want to confront her boss, but she had to bite the bullet and have the tough conversation.”
  • “It’s time to bite the bullet and start saving for the future.”

Origin of this Idiom

There are several possible origins suggested for the phrase “bite the bullet.” The first suggestion was implied by a movie of the same name. In the movie, bullet casings were used to cap teeth when they were rotted or decayed, so whenever someone chewed with one in their movie they were said to be biting the bullet. The second suggestion is taken from a medical practice that existed long before the movie.

Many think the term was derived from the practice of people biting on a bullet during surgery to deal with pain. However, there is very little evidence to prove that this was practiced. Most evidence suggests that people bit on a leather strap during surgical procedures, not bullets. Regardless, the phrase first appeared in writing in the novel The Light That Failed written by author Rudyard Kipling in 1891.

Usage of “Bite The Bullet”

Here are some examples of how to use “bite the bullet”:

  1. Facing a difficult decision: “I didn’t want to leave my job, but I had to bite the bullet and resign.”
  2. Accepting an unpleasant task: “The project deadline is tight, so we’ll have to bite the bullet and work late.”
  3. Taking responsibility: “He didn’t want to admit his mistake, but eventually he bit the bullet and apologized.”
  4. Dealing with an uncomfortable situation: “I’m nervous about flying, but I’ll just bite the bullet and get on the plane.”

Related Terms to “Bite The Bullet”

  • Face the music – To confront the consequences of one’s actions.
  • Take the plunge – To make a bold decision or commit to something difficult.
  • Grin and bear it – To endure something unpleasant with a good attitude.
  • Suck it up – A more informal way of saying to deal with an unpleasant situation without complaining.
  • Take it on the chin – To accept criticism or hardship without complaining.
  • Man up / Woman up – A colloquial phrase urging someone to face a challenge bravely.
  • Buckle down – To prepare oneself to face or tackle a difficult task seriously.
  • Deal with it – To confront or handle a situation, even if it’s tough.
  • Keep a stiff upper lip – To remain calm and brave in the face of adversity.
  • Roll with the punches – To adapt to difficult situations as they come.

Other Ways to Say “Bite The Bullet”

Like all idioms, the phrase “bite the bullet” can be said in several alternative ways. Some other ways you can say this phrase and convey the same meaning include:

  • Face the music
  • Have no choice
  • Have no other alternative

“Bite The Bullet” Examples

Example Statements

A statement made by a celebrity during an interview with a well-known entertainment magazine.

  • “I just had to bite the bullet and admit my faults. For so long I denied them, but taking the time to analyze myself, I realized others were right and I needed a good bit of self-improvement.”

A statement made by someone that was suspected of a crime and was proven innocent.

  • “I fought because I was not willing to bite the bullet for something that I did not do. I am happy I fought and won. I am genuinely sorry for the family and I hope they can apprehend the right person in the future.”

Example Conversations

A conversation between a father and son.

  • Father: Your mom wants to go on a second honeymoon this year for our anniversary.
  • Son: So, what’s the problem? She deserves it for everything she does.
  • Father: I know she does, but it is expensive.
  • Son: Well, Dad, you are just going to have the bite the bullet and spend the money. She needs to get away for a while.

A conversation between two co-workers in the office

  • Co-worker 1: The project is nearly complete, but to make it by the deadline we are all going to have to work some overtime.
  • Co-worker 2: I agree. We will all just have to bite the bullet on this one and dedicate as much time as we possibly can.

Other examples: 

  • I hate going to the dentist, but I suppose I’ll just have to bite the bullet.
  • A lot of companies had to bite the bullet and lay off a lot of their employees.
  • Tour operators may be forced to bite the bullet and cut prices.
  • If the Socialists win the election, they too will have to bite the bullet.
  • It’s not easy, but as a manager, sometimes you have to bite the bullet and fire people.
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