Improve your speaking skills with instant feedback 🤖 Practice English with AI
English Idioms about "Emotions"

Keep a stiff upper lip

English Idiom

Meaning: To stay strong and not show emotions, especially in difficult situations. It involves maintaining composure and resilience when facing adversity.
Origin: The idiom 'keep a stiff upper lip' originated in the early 19th century, primarily among the British. The ‘stiff upper lip’ is a metaphor for maintaining a neutral expression without trembling, which signifies emotional restraint and stoicism, characteristics highly valued in Victorian England.
Man standing confidently in turbulent ocean waves under dramatic cloudy sky conveying strength and resilience
OpenAI's DALL-E generated image

Examples

  • Despite the tragic news, she managed to keep a stiff upper lip in front of her children.
  • During the financial crisis, many investors had to keep a stiff upper lip to avoid panic.
  • When faced with harsh criticism, he kept a stiff upper lip and took the feedback constructively.
  • Even with the daunting workload, she kept a stiff upper lip and completed her tasks efficiently.
  • In the face of adversity, the team captain kept a stiff upper lip, inspiring his teammates to push forward.
  • At the funeral, he kept a stiff upper lip, offering comfort to others even though he was grieving deeply.
  • The soldiers were trained to keep a stiff upper lip, no matter how difficult the mission became.
  • As the company faced bankruptcy, the CEO kept a stiff upper lip and continued to lead with confidence.
  • He kept a stiff upper lip during the negotiation, ensuring that his emotions did not give away his strategy.
  • While enduring the long and arduous journey, she kept a stiff upper lip, encouraging others to remain hopeful.