happy warrior
Americannoun
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a person who is undiscouraged by difficulties or opposition.
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(initial capital letter) a nickname of Alfred E. Smith.
Etymology
Origin of happy warrior
First recorded in 1800–10
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.
With all the difficulties that accompany being a gallerist these days, Ms. Cedar proves that it’s most rewarding to be a happy warrior.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025
"He needs to show that he's vigorous and in command and a happy warrior."
From BBC • Mar. 7, 2024
He was in his element, jousting with political opponents — the picture of a happy warrior:
From Salon • Feb. 8, 2023
That’s because you insist on being a happy warrior in grumpy times.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 27, 2022
The Daily Chronicle heads its editorial with a quotation from Wordsworth: "This is the happy warrior: this is he: That every man in arms should wish to be."
From The Grand Old Man by Cook, Richard B. (Richard Briscoe)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
