THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Bite the bullet
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To face or do something difficult or unpleasant with determination, often after hesitation.
Usage note: keep in mind
Use bite the bullet for accepting an unpleasant task or decision and dealing with it. The past form is bit the bullet. The situation need not involve physical danger; a difficult conversation or an expensive repair can fit.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I didn’t want to visit the dentist, but I finally bit the bullet and went.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the two questions without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 2 checked correctly
Review the meaning
To face or do something difficult or unpleasant with determination, often after hesitation.
2. Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
To face or do something difficult or unpleasant with determination, often after hesitation.
Show the answer
Bite the bullet — To face or do something difficult or unpleasant with determination, often after hesitation.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Bite the bullet” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To face or do something difficult or unpleasant with determination, often after hesitation.
Compare: I didn’t want to visit the dentist, but I finally bit the bullet and went.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- I finally bit the bullet and told the team that the plan was unrealistic.
- The printer kept failing, so we bit the bullet and replaced it.
Check your understanding
Rewrite this idea using the idiom: Maya stopped delaying the awkward apology and made it.
Check your answer
Maya bit the bullet and apologised. She accepted the discomfort and acted; the idiom does not mean she enjoyed the task.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where bite the bullet fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.