Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom.

As the Director I had to bite the bullet in order to restore normalcy.

Force oneself to do something unpleasant

The most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom is force oneself to do something unpleasant.

The idiom "bite the bullet" means to do something unpleasant or difficult, especially when it is necessary. In the sentence, the Director is saying that they had to do something unpleasant in order to restore normalcy. This could mean making unpopular decisions, firing employees, or taking other difficult steps.

The other choices are not as appropriate. Ensure equality does not make sense in the context of the sentence. To force people to do the right thing is a possible meaning of the idiom, but it is not as likely in this case. The Director is not trying to force people to do anything, they are simply trying to do what is necessary to restore normalcy. To encourage the needy is not a meaning of the idiom "bite the bullet."