THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Keep a stiff upper lip
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To avoid showing that you are upset when facing a difficult situation.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- He tried to keep a stiff upper lip when the trip was cancelled.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
He tried to ________ when the trip was cancelled.
Show the answer
Keep a stiff upper lip — To avoid showing that you are upset when facing a difficult situation.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Keep a stiff upper lip” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
To avoid showing that you are upset when facing a difficult situation.
Compare: He tried to keep a stiff upper lip when the trip was cancelled.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when describing outward composure despite disappointment or distress. It can sound old-fashioned or unsympathetic as an instruction to someone else.
More examples in context
- She kept a stiff upper lip during the farewell, although she felt sad.
- I managed to keep a stiff upper lip until I could speak privately with a friend.
Usage note
The expression describes not showing upset, rather than having no feelings. It does not mean that asking for support is wrong.
A short conversation
A: You looked calm when they announced the closure.
B: I was trying to keep a stiff upper lip, but I was very disappointed.
A: I am glad you can talk about it now.
One more practice question
What does keeping a stiff upper lip describe?
A. Appearing composed while feeling upset.
B. Having no feelings of any kind.
Check your answer
A. The expression concerns showing emotion outwardly, not the absence of emotion.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.