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’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

But Little Fat Bear and Buck Elk encouraged the fellows to "keep a stiff upper lip," and take whatever came; then the Indians would respect them more.

From Boys' Book of Frontier Fighters by Sabin, Edwin L. (Edwin Legrand)

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