keep a stiff upper lip

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

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’d wanted so badly to keep a stiff upper lip, to make my daughter feel safe and calm in the midst of this deeply awful moment.

From Slate • Jan. 29, 2020

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

From Washington Post • Sep. 10, 2019

And the one condition of not receiving any of that grace is to keep a stiff upper lip and a high head.

From Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians; Epistles of St. Peter and St. John by Maclaren, Alexander