1swal·low /ˈswɑ:loʊ/ verb
swal·lows; swal·lowed; swal·low·ing 1 a : to take (something) into your stomach through your mouth and throat [+ obj] ▪ He swallowed the grape whole. [no obj] ▪ Chew your food well before you swallow.
b [no obj] : to move the muscles in your throat as if you are swallowing something often because you are nervous
▪ I swallowed before answering. ▪ The boss said, “Come in.” I swallowed hard and walked in. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ If she insults you, just swallow hard [=make an effort to control yourself] and don't say anything. 2 [+ obj] a : to flow over and cover (something) completely — often + up ▪ The wave swallowed up the small vessel. — often used figuratively ▪ More small companies are being swallowed (up) [=taken over, absorbed] by giant conglomerates. ▪ We watched as he was swallowed up by the crowd. [=as he disappeared into the crowd]
b : to use up (an amount of money) — usually + up ▪ The cost of childcare swallows up most of her income. 3 [+ obj] informal : to accept or believe (something)
▪ Her story is pretty hard to swallow. ▪ I can usually take criticism, but this is more than I can swallow. 4 [+ obj] : to not allow yourself to show or be affected by (an emotion)
▪ We have to swallow our disappointment/anger about the election and keep trying to make things better. ▪ She had to swallow her pride and ask for help.
b [no obj] : to move the muscles in your throat as if you are swallowing something often because you are nervous
▪ I swallowed before answering. ▪ The boss said, “Come in.” I swallowed hard and walked in. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ If she insults you, just swallow hard [=make an effort to control yourself] and don't say anything.
b : to use up (an amount of money) — usually + up ▪ The cost of childcare swallows up most of her income.
▪ Her story is pretty hard to swallow. ▪ I can usually take criticism, but this is more than I can swallow.
▪ We have to swallow our disappointment/anger about the election and keep trying to make things better. ▪ She had to swallow her pride and ask for help.
(a) bitter pill to swallow — see 1pill
