a bitter pill

The phrase "a bitter pill" is an idiomatic expression that refers to something unpleasant or difficult to accept or endure. It often describes a situation, experience, or information that causes disappointment, sadness, or discomfort. Just like swallowing a bitter pill can be difficult and unpleasant, facing and accepting a bitter truth or circumstance can be challenging. It implies that the experience or information is hard to swallow, similar to bitter medicine.