The idiomatic expression "a bitter pill to swallow" means something that is very difficult or unpleasant to accept, endure, or experience. Full definition
Still, one may have now and again to bear bitter medicine. (haberarts.com)
And unlike bitter medicines, broth can be incorporated into delicious soups, stews and sauces. (westonaprice.org)
Its kid - friendly exterior is the proverbial spoonful of sugar that sweetens an otherwise bitter medicine, and that makes The Wind Waker an incredibly complex game that appears, on the surface, to be a simple and childish one. (retrovolve.com)