sweeten the pill

Definitions

Synonym of sugarcoat the pill.

Examples

“This would not sweeten the pill to the French; but in making that acquisition we had some view⟳ to our own⟳ good as well as theirs, and I believe⟳ the greatest good of both will be promoted by whatever will amalgamate us together.”

“Exercise of all sorts is one of the lessons we are to learn⟳,” said Mrs. Minot, suggesting all the pleasant things she could to sweeten the pill for her pupils, two of whom did love⟳ their books, not being old enough to know⟳ that even an excellent thing may be overdone.”

“It sweetened this pill by explaining that this figure⟳ was not a direct⟳ loss - that it was only £170-£410m (£280-£670m today) - because we benefited from Metronet's capital spending.”

CEFR level