Idiom
keep a stiff upper lip
Meanings
To remain calm and emotionally controlled when facing trouble, fear, or sadness.
To endure hardship without complaining or showing weakness, especially in public.
Definition
To keep a stiff upper lip means to stay calm and not show strong emotions in a difficult situation.
If you keep a stiff upper lip, you control your feelings and remain brave or composed, even when something is painful or stressful. It often suggests not crying or complaining in public. The phrase is commonly associated with British cultural stereotypes about self-control.
Examples
- She tried to keep a stiff upper lip during the funeral.
- He told his kids to keep a stiff upper lip and focus on what they could control.
- Even after the bad news, Maya kept a stiff upper lip at work.
- I know you’re upset, but try to keep a stiff upper lip in front of the clients.
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More idiom (verb phrase)s
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