Examples:

• Losing the championship game was a bitter pill to swallow, but we learned a lot from the experience and will be better prepared next season.
• After years of living in denial, it was a bitter pill to swallow when I finally realized that I had a serious addiction problem.
• Getting laid off from my job was a bitter pill to swallow, but it forced me to reevaluate my career goals and pursue a more fulfilling path.
• For many students, the transition to remote learning during the pandemic was a bitter pill to swallow, as they struggled to adapt to the new format and missed the social aspects of in-person classes.
• When the doctor told me that I needed to undergo surgery, it was a bitter pill to swallow. But I knew it was the best option for my health and trusted that the outcome would be worth it.
• After the disappointment and defeat, declaring bankruptcy was a bitter pill to swallow for him.