A bitter pill to swallow
English Idiom
Meaning: Something difficult or unpleasant to accept. Often refers to situations or facts that are hard to come to terms with.
Origin: The idiom 'a bitter pill to swallow' originates from the early 18th century when medicinal pills were often bitter and difficult to ingest. The unpleasant experience of swallowing a bitter pill became a metaphor for accepting harsh truths.
Examples
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Losing the championship game after being ahead for most of it was a bitter pill to swallow for the team.
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Finding out he didn't get the promotion despite his hard work was a bitter pill to swallow for John.
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When the company announced layoffs, it was a bitter pill to swallow for many dedicated employees.
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Realizing that her best friend had been lying to her all along was a bitter pill to swallow.
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The sudden increase in rent was a bitter pill to swallow for the tenants who were already struggling financially.
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For many students, failing the final exam after weeks of studying was a bitter pill to swallow.
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The news that the beloved local bookstore was closing down was a bitter pill to swallow for the community.
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After years of dedication, being passed over for the award was a bitter pill to swallow for the artist.
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Learning that the project funding had been cut was a bitter pill to swallow for the research team.
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The revelation of the scandal involving the trusted politician was a bitter pill to swallow for his supporters.
