苦にがい薬くすり

expression, noun

bitter medicine

Literally medicine that tastes bitter; often used metaphorically for something unpleasant but beneficial, like tough advice or a harsh lesson.

• この薬くすりは苦にがい薬くすりだけど、よく効きく。

  This medicine is bitter, but it works well.

• 彼かれの忠ちゅう告こくは苦にがい薬くすりだったが、後あとで役やくに立たった。

  His advice was a bitter pill to swallow, but it helped later.