Pill Meaning
Pill Definition & Usage
A small, typically round or oval-shaped medicinal tablet, usually taken by mouth to treat or prevent illness.
Examples
- "She took a pill for her headache before going to bed."
- "Doctors recommend taking this pill twice a day."
- "He carries his blood pressure pills in a small container."
- "The pharmacist handed me a pill for my cold symptoms."
- "After the surgery, the patient was prescribed pain pills."
A difficult or unpleasant situation that one must endure, often used in the expression 'a bitter pill to swallow'.
Examples
- "Losing the game was a bitter pill to swallow for the team."
- "The news that she was moving away was a real pill for everyone."
- "Finding out that my promotion was delayed was a tough pill to swallow."
- "The reality of their financial situation was a bitter pill to swallow."
- "Breaking up with someone you love is always a pill to swallow."
To take a pill or medication, usually by swallowing it.
Examples
- "She pilled the dog with ease by hiding the tablet in some food."
- "He has to pill his cat every morning with a special syringe."
- "The nurse showed me how to pill the patient effectively."
- "It’s not easy to pill a dog, especially if they’re not used to medication."
- "I had to pill my grandma when she forgot to take her morning dose."
Cultural Context
Pills have become one of the most common forms of medication, largely due to their convenience and portability. They have been used for centuries, with early examples dating back to ancient civilizations. Today, pills are a central part of modern healthcare, ranging from simple over-the-counter solutions to complex treatments for chronic conditions. The metaphorical use of 'pill' as a 'bitter pill to swallow' reflects how people perceive certain life challenges or disappointments.
The Bitter Pill of Reality
Story
The Bitter Pill of Reality
Lucy sat at the kitchen table, staring at the small pill bottle in front of her. The doctor had prescribed these pills to help manage her anxiety, but she wasn’t sure if she was ready to take them. She had never liked the idea of relying on medication, but lately, the stress of work and family had made it impossible to cope without some help. Her mom, a firm believer in the power of holistic remedies, had told her, 'If you want to fix yourself, you’ve got to face the tough pills in life.' Lucy had laughed it off then, but today, the words felt more real than ever. As she reached for the bottle, her younger brother Jake walked in. 'What’s that?' he asked, peering at the bottle. 'Just some pills for my anxiety,' she replied, trying to sound casual. Jake raised an eyebrow. 'You’re going to take a pill to fix your problems?' Lucy sighed. 'I guess it’s just a bitter pill to swallow.' Jake nodded thoughtfully. 'Well, if it helps, then go for it.' Lucy knew that taking the pills wasn’t going to solve everything. But it was a step, and sometimes, that’s all you can do. Swallowing the pill was harder than she expected, but the weight of it was nothing compared to the burden she had been carrying. It was a start. Later that day, Lucy took her dog for a walk. She pilled him with his medication, hiding the tablet in a treat, and noticed how easy it was to get him to take his medicine. Maybe that was what she needed to do – take the pill and trust that it would work. Life was full of tough pills, but sometimes, they were necessary.
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