The Origin of “Bite the Bullet”

The phrase “bite the bullet” is commonly thought to come from historical battlefield practices where, in the absence of anesthesia, soldiers would literally bite down on a bullet to endure pain during surgery. Biting on something (in this case, a bullet) would help them handle the physical shock of surgery or serious injury, as there was no other effective way to dull the pain. The bullet provided something for the soldier to clamp down on to avoid screaming or moving, which could make the procedure even more challenging.

Meaning of “Bite the Bullet” Today

Today, the phrase “bite the bullet” has evolved to mean facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage or to take on a challenging task without complaint. Instead of the literal sense of clenching down on a bullet to endure physical pain, it now serves as a metaphor for showing mental resilience in tough situations.

Examples in Modern Use

1. “I didn’t want to work over the weekend, but I decided to bite the bullet and finish the project.”
2. “She didn’t enjoy public speaking, but she bit the bullet and delivered the presentation.”

Practice Time!

Fill in the blanks with the right form of “bite the bullet” or similar phrases:

1. When my car broke down and repairs were expensive, I had to __________ and pay for it.
2. I dislike exams, but I’ll __________ and start studying today.

Answer Key:

1. bite the bullet
2. bite the bullet