Bite the Bullet – Meaning, Origin & Usage
You often hear the phrase “bite the bullet” in everyday conversation. It’s an idiom that’s not meant to be taken literally. In this article, we’re going to break down what is meant by “bite the bullet” and describe how the phrase originated. Then we’ll go on to cover how the phrase is used today, including alternative sayings with a similar meaning.
And without further ado, let’s get started.
What does “bite the bullet” mean?
The phrase “bite the bullet” is an idiom that means to do something unpleasant or difficult because it’s necessary, even though you’d prefer to avoid it. It’s about finding the courage to go through something that’s inevitable if you want to proceed.
Origins of the phrase “bite the bullet”
There are multiple theories around how the phrase “bite the bullet” may have originated, much of which come from the battlefield. One theory is that it comes from the American Civil War. With anesthesia yet to be invented, soldiers being operated on would bite down on the malleable lead of a bullet to keep themselves from screaming. This would also prevent the e wounded soldier from grinding his teeth and biting his tongue
Another theory posits that it’s to do with the British Enfield rifle in the 1850s. This rifle had a paper tube, the end of which riflemen had to bite off to expose the powder to the spark. A rifleman doing this had to remain calm when reloading in the midst of a battle, giving rise to the expression to bite the bullet, to stand firm while under attack.
A third theory comes from the Indian Rebellion of 1857. At the time, gun cartridges came
in two parts. The projectile was inserted into a base and held in place with grease made from pig fat. To load the bullets, the two parts had to be broken apart and the base then had to be filled with gunpowder. Hindi soldiers were forced to bite the bullet and separate the two parts. They had to do this despite being required to bite into the grease made from pigs, an animal which they considered sacred.
The first known written use of “bite the bullet” as an idiom was in Rudyard Kipling’s 1891 book The Light That Failed.
How to use the phrase “bite the bullet” in conversation
You can use the phrase “bite the bullet” to refer to someone getting on with an unpleasant task that, unfortunately, has to be done. Here are some examples of the phrase in use in everyday conversation:
- She said they’d have to ‘bite the bullet’ when it came to their finances.
- If I’m going to get fit, I’ll have to bite the bullet and start going to the gym.
- I’ll have to bite the bullet and buy a new car if the repairs would cost this much.
- I have a pile of work to finish, so I’m going to have to work all night – I guess I’ll have to bite the bullet.
- He’s going to have to bite the bullet and take a math class if he wants to progress in work.
- If I want to pass the exam, I’ll have to bite the bullet and go through these past papers.
- If you want to cook the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, you should bite the bullet and do a practice run.
- If you want to solve the customer’s issue, you’re going to have to bite the bullet and get in contact with them to sort it out.
- I know you’re stressed out about it, but you’re gonna have to bite the bullet.
Similar sayings to “bite the bullet”
Similar sayings to “bite the bullet” include:
- Face the music
- Eat the frog
- Get it over and done with
- Tick it off the list
- Cross the Rubicon
- Bow to fate
- Leap into the breach
- Have no choice
- Sweat it out
- Swallow the pill
- Pay the piper
- Take the bull by the horns
Cultural references and examples of the phrase “bite the bullet” in the media
The phrase “bite the bullet” has been widely used in media, literature, music, and popular culture. Here are some examples:
- A film called “Bite the Bullet” starring Gene Hackman released in 1975, where the title reflects the theme of perseverance and resilience.
- A book called “Biting the Bullet” by Jennifer Rardin, published in 2008. Part of the Jaz Parks series, this book uses the phrase metaphorically as the protagonist tackles dangerous missions requiring both courage and sacrifice.
- A book called “To Bite the Bullet” by Edward Willett, published in 2013. This work of speculative fiction explores survival in harsh conditions, using the title to reflect the resilience of its characters.
- A song called “Bite the Bullet” by Iron Maiden from the album Dance of Death, released in 2003. A song called The song explores themes of bravery and facing adversity, encapsulating the essence of the phrase.
- A song called “Bite the Bullet” by Tori Amos from her album titled American Doll Posse, released in 2007. Here, Amos incorporates the phrase as part of her metaphorical lyrics, discussing societal pressures and the courage to confront them.
- A song called “Bite the Bullet” by Motorhead from the album Iron Fist, released in 1982. The high-energy rock track uses the phrase to encourage resilience and determination in challenging situations.
- A video game called “Bite the Bullet” released in 2020. This indie game combines elements of side-scrolling shooters and RPGs, encouraging players to “bite the bullet” by consuming enemies to gain energy and progress in challenging levels.
Final word
So, to summarise, the phrase “bite the bullet” is an idiom that means to do something unpleasant or difficult because it’s necessary, even though you’d prefer to avoid it. The precise origin of the phrase is unknown, but is likely to date back to the 1800’s. The first known use of the phrase as an idiom dates back to 1891, when it was used by author Rudyard Kipling.
