Feifei Hello! This is The English We Speak, I’m Feifei…
**Rob
**…and I’m Rob.
Feifei We may sound a little different. That’s because we are not able to record in our normal studios during the coronavirus outbreak. This programme comes with a safety warning! It involves bullets – well, not real ones. That would be dangerous. Toy bullets – just to illustrate the point.
**Rob
**Bullets! What English expression mentions bullets?!
FeifeiI will explain – and, Rob, you can help. Here is a toy bullet…
**Rob
**Where did you get that from?!
FeifeiDon’t ask. Now, Rob, would you put it between your teeth please?
**Rob
**What? Are you crazy?!
FeifeiPlease, Rob. It would really help our audience.
Rob OK, Feifei! Here goes… Right, I am biting the bullet.
FeifeiSo, Rob, you are being brave and forcing yourself to do something unpleasant, but necessary.
Rob I didn’t force myself, you told me to do it!
Feifei Sorry, Rob, I can’t understand you – but when someone ‘bites the bullet’, they are forced to do, or accept that they have to do something difficult or unpleasant. Let’s hear some examples of other people who have to bite the bullet…
ExamplesI have a pile of work to finish, so I’m going to have to work all night – I guess I’ll have to bite the bullet.
If I’m going to get fit, I’ll have to bite the bullet and start going to the gym. Urghh!
If you want to start dating Jitka you’re going to have to bite the bullet and ask her out!
FeifeiThis is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we’re talking about the expression ‘to bite the bullet’. It describes having to do something unpleasant or difficult, but necessary.
**Rob
**So, can I stop biting a bullet now, please?
FeifeiNot yet, Rob. What you are doing is ‘necessary’.
**Rob
**Yes, but it’s not easy speaking with a bullet in your mouth.
FeifeiExactly! Peace and quiet. But careful, Rob. Don’t swallow it – otherwise things could get very unpleasant.
**Rob
**Thanks for the advice, Feifei… ooops.
FeifeiBye, Rob.
**Rob
**Bye.