A bitter pill to swallow

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei and joining me today is Rob.

Rob
Hi everyone… errr, Feifei are you OK? You don’t sound as cheerful as normal.

Feifei
I feel terrible today - I’ve got a headache, feel really tired… I think I’m developing flu. I’m going to take these paracetamol tablets.

Rob
Hold on Feifei. Are you sure you’re getting flu? This hasn’t got anything to do with that job promotion you didn’t get?

Feifei
Of course not… well maybe a little.

Rob
Hmm, I know you wanted that promotion so much but Daisy got it instead didn’t she?

Feifei
Exactly - and I’ve been working here much longer than her and I have loads more experience. It’s so unfair!

Rob
I know… it’s a bitter pill to swallow.

Feifei
Thanks for the advice but even if these tablets - or pills - are bitter, they’ll make me feel better - now can you show me some more sympathy about my promotion please?

Rob
I was Feifei! When I said ‘it’s a bitter pill to swallow’ I really meant it’s a situation that is unpleasant and difficult to accept.

Feifei
OK, I see! You’re saying I’m finding Daisy’s promotion hard to accept?

Rob
It’s tough Feifei but that’s the way things are. Let’s hear some more examples of this phrase in action…

Examples
When John found out about his wife’s affair with his best friend, it was a bitter pill to swallow.

It was a bitter pill to swallow knowing that my older sister finished the race quicker than me.

My friend has booked the same flights as me for half the price - it’s a bitter pill to swallow!

Feifei
So ‘a bitter pill to swallow’ means I don’t like what’s happened but I will have to accept it? Hmm, I like the phrase but it doesn’t make me feel any better.

Rob
You’ll just have to swallow the decision Feifei! Daisy is going to be your boss now.

Feifei
Oh dear… I think my flu might be getting worse now… I’m definitely going to take these paracetamol now… Yuk, that really was bitter!

Rob
I think two tablets are enough for now Feifei. Maybe you should take tomorrow off work.

Feifei
What a great idea Rob. See you later.

Rob
Bye!