bitter sun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitter sun" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sun that feels harsh or unpleasant, often in a metaphorical sense, conveying a sense of discomfort or negativity associated with the sun's heat or brightness. Example: "As I walked through the desert, the bitter sun beat down on me, making every step feel like a struggle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The mango trees lie on the edge of the village, offering sanctuary from the bitter sun of the north Indian plains.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Yellow raspberries in July sun, bitter plums, curtains in wind.

The New Yorker

For the first time on what was a bitter afternoon, the sun came out, metaphorically and literally, but Arsenal could not bask in it.

Independent

Entrees were well cooked, but sauces needed work: reduced demi-glace sauces on the bacon-wrapped filet mignon and chicken Marsala were slightly bitter, and slivered sun-dried tomatoes on the Marsala didn't complement the sauce.

The New York Times

Another appetizer, white bean salad, was yin to the oxtail's yang: a bright but equally complex layering of flavors, including slightly bitter radicchio, sweet sun-dried tomato and roasted onion, and two small fillets of the Spanish anchovies called boquerones.

The New York Times

It seems wrong to leave such fleshy bodies exposed to hot sun and bitter cold, but that is what they like.

The New York Times

The Spurs have had bitter playoff series against the Suns, the Mavericks and the Lakers in recent years.

The New York Times

The Suns are still bitter over the suspensions of Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw for Game 5 of last season's Western Conference semifinals, believing the bans cost them a chance to beat the Spurs.

The New York Times

More fundamentally, they have enshrined the story of Sun Danyong as a bitter symbol of China's industrial age.

The New Yorker

The harshness of the weather they work in — the bitter glacial wind and high-mountain sun — was inscribed on the cheeks of many of the women, and some of the children, in the dark blooms of frostbite scars.

The New Yorker

If a man was left behind in the inhospitable Sinai, he might die in the burning desert sun during the day, or bitter cold at night.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "bitter sun" to evoke a feeling of discomfort or harshness, especially when describing environments where the sun's heat is unpleasant or oppressive. It's particularly effective in descriptive writing to create a vivid sense of place.

Common error

Avoid using "bitter sun" in contexts where the sun is perceived positively, such as describing a pleasant summer day. The phrase implies a negative or harsh quality, so ensure it aligns with the intended tone and setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter sun" functions primarily as a descriptive element. It combines an adjective ("bitter") with a noun ("sun") to create a vivid image, as shown in the Ludwig example of the mango trees in India. It's about setting a scene and evoking a specific feeling associated with the weather.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bitter sun" is a descriptive term used to evoke a sense of harshness or discomfort associated with sunlight. Ludwig AI shows that while grammatically sound, its occurrence is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. It effectively conveys unpleasant solar conditions, offering a more vivid alternative to simpler descriptions. When using "bitter sun", consider whether it matches the context, tone and if a phrase such as "scorching sun" would be a more appropriate alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scorching sun

Replaces "bitter" with "scorching", focusing on the burning sensation of intense heat.

harsh sunlight

Emphasizes the severity and unpleasantness of the sunlight, rather than its taste or emotional quality.

intense sun

Highlights the strength and power of the sun's rays.

oppressive sun

Suggests the sun is heavy and burdensome, adding a layer of discomfort.

blazing sun

Focuses on the fiery and brilliant aspect of the sun's heat.

fierce sun

Conveys a sense of aggression or intensity in the sun's rays.

unrelenting sun

Highlights the continuous and inescapable nature of the sun's intensity.

burning sun

Directly describes the sensation of being burned by the sun's rays.

searing sun

Similar to 'scorching', but with a more intense and immediate sense of burning.

cruel sun

Adds an element of suffering and malevolence to the sun's impact.

FAQs

What does "bitter sun" mean?

The phrase "bitter sun" describes sunlight that feels harsh, unpleasant, or oppressive. It suggests that the sun's heat is not welcoming but rather causes discomfort.

What are some synonyms for "bitter sun"?

Alternatives include "scorching sun", "harsh sunlight", or "intense sun". These phrases capture different aspects of the sun's unpleasant intensity.

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

Example: "The mango trees lie on the edge of the village, offering sanctuary from the "bitter sun" of the north Indian plains."

Is "bitter sun" a common expression?

While grammatically correct and evocative, "bitter sun" is not a very common expression. Phrases like "harsh sun" or "intense sunlight" are more frequently used.