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Showing results for take it on the chin. Search instead for take-it-in-the-ear.
Synonyms

take it on the chin

Idioms  
  1. Suffer adversity or defeat, as in Paul really took it on the chin today when he got fired for missing a deadline. This idiom alludes to taking a physical blow on the chin. [First half of 1900s]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

And if she says “no” to your request, take it on the chin like the good adult you are.

From MarketWatch Sep. 10, 2026

“Any question, any criticism, any opinion, you have to take it on the chin today,” Arteta said after the game.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 1, 2026

"They can only show so much and they are creating an entertainment show so I just take it on the chin," he continues.

From BBC Sep. 2, 2025

So you’re gonna fail at some point and you just have to take it on the chin and find a way to just get better.”

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 17, 2024

His lawyer told him that he would probably get prison but, well, it wouldn't be that bad and he would just have `to take it on the chin'.

From Underground by Suelette Dreyfus

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