Life is full of adversity, and people facing challenging life circumstances have to find a way to cope. I'm interested in single words, phrases, or idioms that capture coping strategies. For example:
Jane's job was absurdly repetitive and oppressive, but for her family, she tried to make the best of a bad situation.
Are there good alternatives to the coping strategy of making the best of bad situation?
Clarification: I am looking for alternatives, especially idioms, that don't involve words like good and bad.
Best Answer
to sweeten the bitter pill
“Jane's job was absurdly repetitive and oppressive, but for her family, she sweetened the bitter pill as much as possible.”
I suppose you could also say that Jane had no choice but to swallow the bitter pill. In other words, she was left with no choice but to accept her lot (situation) in life.