bitter pill to swallow

Idioms  

1. An unpleasant fact, disappointment, or humiliation that is difficult to endure. For example, Failing the bar exam was a bitter pill to swallow, but he plans to try again next year. [Late 1500s]

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Example Sentences

Yet, this is a bitter pill to swallow for many, given Pakistan contributes less than 1% of the global greenhouse gas emissions.

From BBC

For Kyiv, such a concession would be a bitter pill to swallow.

From BBC

He described the the outcome as "a bitter pill to swallow", although was awarded just over £1,650 on the grounds that his relationship with the lender was unfair.

From BBC

Mrs Richardson said losing the money her parents had left was a “bitter pill to swallow”.

From BBC

"I feel like I've been playing really great golf all week in practice and it was a bitter pill to swallow to be sat out for as many sessions as I was," said Maguire.

From BBC