C1idiomemotionsIELTS-friendly
a bitter pill to swallow
USUK
an unpleasant fact or situation that is hard to accept
Used about defeats, rejections and painful decisions. Common in news reports and sports commentary.
In context
Losing the final to a last-minute goal was a bitter pill to swallow.
For my parents, selling the family house was a bitter pill to swallow.
More idioms about emotions
- a lump in your throata tight feeling in your throat because you are so moved that you might cry
- get something off your chestto tell someone about a worry or problem that has been bothering you
- let off steamto do something that helps you release strong feelings or extra energy
- make someone's dayto make someone very happy, often with something small
- see redto suddenly become very angry