suffer a loss but be unable to complain; be forced to swallow a bitter pill
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb phrase
suffer a loss or injustice but have no way to seek redress; be forced to swallow one's grievance
neutralOften used when someone is wronged, cheated, or suffers a loss, but due to power dynamics, fear of consequences, lack of evidence, or other constraints, they cannot speak out or seek justice. The idiom emphasizes powerlessness and internalized suffering.
He bought a fake product, but the vendor is already gone, so he can only swallow his loss.
The boss was unfair, but she is afraid of losing her job, so she has to put up with this injustice in silence.
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There were hidden traps in the contract terms; he only realized after signing and now has to bear the loss quietly.
In that chaotic situation, even if he was taken advantage of, he could only let it slide without protest.