a bitter goodbye

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bitter goodbye" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing sadness or regret about parting ways with someone or something. Example: "As they stood at the train station, they exchanged a bitter goodbye, knowing it might be a long time before they saw each other again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Given its subtitle ("State of England"), the novel slots neatly into an argument that Mr. Amis's move to America is a bitter "goodbye to all that" severing from home soil.

The New York Times

While her new album, "Good Thing Going" (Rounder), is named after a stable love song, it starts with "I'm Leavin'," a bitter goodbye set to an Appalachian-sounding tune, and "World's Biggest Fool," an easy-swinging bit of breakup remorse.

The New York Times - Arts

Fourteen years and seven months after an experiment here went unimaginably awry, spewing the radiation of dozens of Hiroshimas across Europe, workers at the Chernobyl nuclear complex gathered today to bid the site's last working nuclear reactor -- and many of their jobs -- a bitter goodbye.

The New York Times

Its title track was called "a bitter goodbye".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

3. Palin's "Bitter Goodbye": The ongoing battle between the former AK Governor and the media.

Huffington Post

Whistler defy you not reminisce over troubled endings and elusive new beginnings, with Sad Songs an exercise in controlled desperation and Thank You a bitter but resigned kiss goodbye.

The Guardian

Although I ended up getting a full-on police eviction, that landlord... all goodbyes are bitter in those scenarios.

Vice

A bitter struggle ensued.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Putin: A Bitter Decision.

University of California, Berkeley

That was a bitter moment.

The New York Times

It is a bitter wisdom.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bitter goodbye" when you want to convey a sense of regret, sadness, or resentment associated with a farewell. It suggests the parting is not amicable or desired.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, "a bitter goodbye" can sound overly dramatic or emotional in professional or formal settings. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "farewell" or "parting" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bitter goodbye" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the nature of the farewell, emphasizing the negative emotions associated with it. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bitter goodbye" is a phrase used to describe a farewell tinged with negative emotions like sadness, regret, or resentment. Ludwig AI confirms it's a grammatically sound expression, though relatively rare in usage. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts and is appropriate for situations where the parting is difficult and not amicable. While the phrase is suitable for many situations, it can sound overly dramatic in formal settings, where alternatives like "farewell" or "parting" might be more appropriate. Related phrases include "a painful farewell" or "a sorrowful parting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a painful farewell

Emphasizes the emotional distress associated with the separation, highlighting the sorrow and hurt.

a sorrowful parting

Focuses on the sadness and grief experienced during the act of leaving, suggesting a deep sense of loss.

a heartbreaking farewell

Highlights the intense emotional pain and anguish linked to the parting, making it a very dramatic expression.

a regretful adieu

Conveys a sense of remorse or disappointment associated with the departure, suggesting a wish for things to be different.

a poignant send-off

Stresses the touching and emotionally charged nature of the goodbye, indicating a moment of significant sentiment.

a melancholic departure

Underlines the sense of sadness and gloom accompanying the leaving, painting a picture of somber reflection.

a doleful valediction

Uses a formal term for farewell to amplify the mournful and sorrowful nature of the parting.

an unhappy leave-taking

Directly states the lack of happiness connected with the act of parting, simplifying the sentiment.

a rueful parting

Implies a feeling of regret or sorrow for something done or left undone as one says goodbye.

a somber farewell

Emphasizes the seriousness and gravity of the parting, suggesting a mood of deep reflection and solemnity.

FAQs

How can I use "a bitter goodbye" in a sentence?

You can use "a bitter goodbye" to describe a farewell that is filled with sadness, resentment, or regret. For instance, "After years of conflict, their divorce was "a bitter goodbye"."

What are some alternatives to "a bitter goodbye"?

Alternatives include "a painful farewell", "a sorrowful parting", or "a regretful adieu", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a bitter goodbye"?

It's appropriate when the farewell is marked by negative emotions such as resentment, disappointment, or deep sadness. It suggests the parting is difficult and not amicable.

What's the difference between "a bitter goodbye" and "a sad goodbye"?

"A sad goodbye" simply implies sadness at parting, whereas "a bitter goodbye" suggests additional negative emotions like resentment, regret, or disappointment are involved, making the separation more complex and painful.