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Region: General | Usage example: I decided to bite the bullet and start the difficult report first thing this morning.

Bite the bullet

Meaning

Accept an unpleasant task or situation that cannot be avoided.

Usage

Often used to acknowledge discomfort while committing to action.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Originally referred to soldiers biting a bullet during surgery without anesthesia.

The phrase appears in 19th-century military anecdotes and was cemented by literature describing wartime hardships.

Related Idioms

All bark and no bite

Someone who talks tough but is harmless or unlikely to act.

Bite the hand that feeds you

Harm or disrespect someone who supports you.

Bite off more than you can chew

Take on more responsibilities than you can handle.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.