bite the bullet

phrase

: to enter with resignation upon a difficult or distressing course of action

Examples of bite the bullet in a Sentence

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That probably means biting the bullet on a higher AAV here, and Batherson’s still young enough to squeeze some value here. — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bite the bullet was in 1844

Rhymes for bite the bullet

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Browse Nearby Words

bite someone's head off
bite the bullet
bite the dust
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Cite this Entry

“Bite the bullet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bite%20the%20bullet. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bite the bullet

Nglish: Translation of bite the bullet for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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