a hard pill to swallow

a hard pill to swallow

Something, especially a fact or piece of news, that is unpleasant or difficult but which is unavoidable or must be accepted. It was a hard pill to swallow learning that my father's fortune had been squandered. Her recent breakup with Janet was a hard pill to swallow.
See also: hard, pill, swallow
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • a tough pill to swallow
  • bitter pill (to swallow)
  • bitter
  • a bitter pill
  • horse pill
  • come to a bad end
  • come to a bad/sticky end
  • hard to swallow
  • swallow down
  • couldn't help it
References in periodicals archive
If someone said, 'That's a hard pill to swallow', the person would in most cases not be alluding to bitter medicine (quinine being one of those that springs to mind immediately).
Snake wisdom: A man and his tongs are soon parted
Vicente added that their choice to put in Lazaro, who was initially a reserve player, was a hard pill to swallow for Lazaro.
Lazaro's hamstring injury forces Vicente to tap Macandili as replacement
The preliminary design--about as long as a Brazil nut--may still be a hard pill to swallow.
Pill measures gut gas
Enjoying the craic at Ballybrit yesterday, Stephen admitted Poland had been a hard pill to swallow.
Hunt hurt by Euros bench role
But if it puts off or denigrates the average man or woman who has a vocation to care for the sick, then I find it a hard pill to swallow.
You cannot learn care; MAN OF THE PEOPLE
To be ripped off by your family is a hard pill to swallow.
Grans hit the headlines
Coach Jim Lynch who guided the Eagles to the final after just six months in business, said: "Defeat is a hard pill to swallow but we will remember that next time out."
ICE HOCKEY; Eagles in final storm
So I find Shavelson's trust in the wisdom of physicians a hard pill to swallow.
A Chosen Death: The Dying Confront Assisted Suicide