English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Bitter medicine
Meaning
"Bitter medicine" is an idiom that refers to something unpleasant or difficult that must be done or experienced, even though it is not desired. It can also refer to a message or situation that is unpleasant or difficult to hear, but is necessary for the person or people involved.
Usage
- After years of ignoring her warning signs, John finally realized he needed to seek help for his alcohol addiction. Taking "bitter medicine" was not an easy pill to swallow, but it was necessary for his recovery.
- When she found out that her promotion had been given to someone else, Sarah felt like she had just drunk a cup of "bitter medicine." She was upset, but knew that she needed to let go and move on.
- After years of denying the truth, the government finally admitted that they had been monitoring citizens' phone calls without their consent. This was a "bitter pill" for many people who felt violated and betrayed by their government.
- When the doctor diagnosed her with a rare disease, Emily was devastated. She knew that she would have to undergo "bitter medicine" in the form of chemotherapy to try and beat it.
- After years of living in poverty, Maria finally had the opportunity to attend college. While she was excited about this new chapter in her life, she also realized that she would have to "drink the bitter medicine" of studying hard and graduating with honors to make the most of it.
Roots and History
The origin of the idiom "bitter medicine" is uncertain, but it may have roots in the practice of administering unpleasant or painful treatments to patients in the past. In some cases, these treatments may have been necessary for a person's health, but were difficult to endure. Over time, the phrase likely evolved to refer to any situation or message that was difficult to accept, regardless of its necessity.
Synonyms in English
- Tough love
- Reality check
- A wake-up call
- A harsh truth
- A sobering realization
Synonyms in other languages
- French: Amère guérison (bitter cure)
- German: Harte Arztmutterlichkeit (harsh physician love)
- Spanish: Medicina amara (bitter medicine)
- Italian: Cura amara (bitter cure)
- Dutch: Krukelselievering (bitter liberation)