How to Pronounce "a bitter pill to swallow"
expression
uh BIT-er PIL tuh SWAH-loh
uh BIT-uh PIL tuh SWOL-oh
Definition
Something unpleasant or difficult that must be accepted, even though it is hard to deal with.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈbɪtɝ/ /ˈpɪɫ/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈswɑɫoʊ/, /ˈswɔɫoʊ
British English
æɪ/ /bˈɪtɐ/ /pˈɪl/ /tˈuː/ /swˈɒləʊ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
uh BIT-er PIL tuh SWAH-loh
UK
uh BIT-uh PIL tuh SWOL-oh
Listen in Context
Losing the championship was a bitter pill to swallow for the team.
Getting a bad grade can be a bitter pill to swallow for students.
Hearing the company's closing was a bitter pill to swallow for the employees.
Not getting the promotion was a bitter pill to swallow, but she kept working hard.