keep a stiff upper lip

Idioms

Show courage in the face of pain or adversity. For example, I know you're upset about losing the game, but keep a stiff upper lip. This expression presumably alludes to the trembling lips that precede bursting into tears. [Early 1800s]

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.

But if you want to climb the greasy pole, it could be best to keep a stiff upper lip, at least in some organisations, says executive coach Shereen Hoban.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2025

"We say we’re ‘fine’ and keep a stiff upper lip, but while it can be hard to speak out people, will listen and it does help."

From Fox News • Feb. 14, 2022

I tried to keep a stiff upper lip, since my husband and I have two girls together.

From Slate • Dec. 14, 2019

Noah may keep a stiff upper lip, but he regards his life as something behind him.

From Washington Post • Sep. 10, 2019

As soon as I am with you again it will be as if nothing had happened; and meanwhile I am going to keep a "stiff upper lip."

From Set in Silver by Williamson, A. M. (Alice Muriel)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023