Bite the Bullet – Idiom of the Day for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Using idioms effectively in IELTS Speaking and Writing can make your responses sound more natural and fluent. The idiom “Bite the Bullet” is perfect for describing situations where someone must do something unpleasant but necessary. This blog explains its meaning, provides examples, exercises, and a sample IELTS Speaking answer to help you use it confidently.

Meaning of Bite the Bullet

Definition: To face an unpleasant or difficult situation with courage and determination because it is necessary.
Example Explanation: When someone “bites the bullet,” they accept something uncomfortable or challenging instead of avoiding it.

Origin / History

The phrase was first used by Rudyard Kipling in his 1891 novel The Light That Failed. It comes from the practice of having a patient bite a bullet during surgery without anesthesia to endure the pain.

Examples of “Bite the Bullet”

1. Sometimes in life, you just need to bite the bullet and do what needs to be done.
2. I guess I have to bite the bullet and break up with Janice.
3. Mary had to bite the bullet and face her fear of heights.
4. The only way I can have my life back is if I bite the bullet and quit my job.
5. Dude, it’ll be okay. You just need to bite the bullet and tell her how you really feel.
6. One of us has to bite the bullet and clean the toilet this week.
7. Man, I just have to bite the bullet and bathe in this freezing weather.
8. You mean I have to step out in this pouring rain and buy groceries? Time to bite the bullet.
9. Well, I just have to bite the bullet and get that prostate exam.
10. Bite the bullet and jump off that plane, bro. You won’t regret it. 

Usage of “Bite the Bullet” in IELTS Speaking

Here are some example sentences showing how this idiom is used naturally:

• “I had to bite the bullet and submit my assignment late because my laptop crashed.”
• “Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and apologize, even if it’s uncomfortable.”
• “He bit the bullet and started studying for the IELTS exam despite his busy schedule.”

Pro Tip: Use this idiom when talking about difficult decisions, challenges, or unavoidable tasks in IELTS Speaking Part 2 or Part 3 to demonstrate natural English expressions.

Sample IELTS Speaking Answer Using “Bite the Bullet”

IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Describe a Difficult Task You Had to Do

Last year, I had to submit a major project while also preparing for my final exams. I had procrastinated a bit and the deadline was very close. I realized I had no choice but to bite the bullet and work non-stop for three days. It was exhausting, but in the end, I submitted the project on time and performed well in my exams. This experience taught me the importance of facing challenges head-on and being disciplined.

Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Meaning

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom “Bite the Bullet” in each sentence:

1. I had to bite the bullet and attend the meeting even though I was sick.
   a) Avoid the meeting
   b) Face the meeting despite difficulty
   c) Cancel the meeting
2. Mary bit the bullet and told her parents about failing the exam.
   a) Ignored the situation
   b) Faced the situation bravely
   c) Ran away
3. Sometimes you need to bite the bullet and start a hard task.
   a) Begin reluctantly but necessarily
   b) Ignore the task
   c) Ask someone else to do it
4. He bit the bullet and moved to a new city for work.
   a) Resisted the change
   b) Accepted the challenge despite discomfort
   c) Stayed in his comfort zone
5. You need to bite the bullet and pay your taxes.
   a) Avoid paying
   b) Face the obligation bravely
   c) Delay payment

Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences

Fill in the blanks with the idiom “bite the bullet”:

1. I had to ____________ and attend the seminar even though I was exhausted.
2. She decided to ____________ and apologize for her mistake.
3. We must ____________ and face the criticism from our manager.
4. He finally ____________ and started learning English for the IELTS exam.
5. Sometimes you just have to ____________ and tell the truth, no matter how hard it is.

Answers

Exercise 1 Answers:

1. b) Face the meeting despite difficulty
2. b) Faced the situation bravely
3. a) Begin reluctantly but necessarily
4. b) Accepted the challenge despite discomfort
5. b) Face the obligation bravely

Exercise 2 Answers:

1. bite the bullet
2. bite the bullet
3. bite the bullet
4. bit the bullet
5. bite the bullet

To Summarize, the idiom “Bite the Bullet” is perfect for describing situations where someone must face unpleasant but necessary challenges. Using it naturally in IELTS Speaking and Writing can make your responses more fluent and expressive. Practice with the examples, exercises, and sample answers above to confidently include it in your answers.

Also Check: 

• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+