sugarcoat the pill
To make an unpleasant event less displeasing.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He did not sugarcoat the pill when he told me the bad news.”
“The manager did not try to sugarcoat the pill when explaining that our department budget was being cut significantly.”
“While the consultant attempted to sugarcoat the pill, the board members clearly understood that the company faced a period of painful restructuring.”
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horse pill
A medicinal pill which is very large in size and is therefore difficult for a person to swallow.
- 02
pill in the pocket
A medication, usually prescribed by a physician, which the patient is to carry with them, and which is to be used only under certain conditions.
- 03
pill mill
A clandestine operation where a medical worker illicitly offers prescription medication to patients in exchange for bribes.
- 04
swallow a bitter pill
To accept or endure an unpleasant situation.
- 05
take the red pill
To perceive the world in its previously unknown, usually harsher, reality.
Last updated August 10, 2026