something difficult to accept or deal with · bad news that's hard to hear
You know those moments when you hear news that's just… awful, but you have to deal with it? 😬 Like when your favorite coffee shop closes, or you get an unexpected bill. This expression perfectly describes that feeling of having to stomach something unpleasant! 😩
💡 **Pro-Tip!** This idiom refers to a literal pill that's hard to swallow, drawing a parallel to metaphorical 'bad news' that's difficult to accept. It's often used when you're facing a harsh reality or a disappointing outcome. It's a great way to express empathy too, by saying, 'I know, that's a tough pill to swallow.'
When would you most appropriately use 'That's a tough pill to swallow'? A. When you're celebrating a big promotion at work. B. When you've just heard about a friend's sudden job loss. C. When you're ordering your favorite dessert at a restaurant.