THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Put a brave face on
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Appear calm or cheerful about a problem despite feeling worried or upset.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- He put a brave face on the cancellation, though he had been looking forward to the trip.
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 ________ the cancellation, though he had been looking forward to the trip.
Show the answer
Put a brave face on — Appear calm or cheerful about a problem despite feeling worried or upset.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Put a brave face on” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Appear calm or cheerful about a problem despite feeling worried or upset.
Compare: He put a brave face on the cancellation, though he had been looking forward to the trip.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this conversational expression when outward behaviour hides disappointment or concern. It can convey sympathy rather than criticism.
More examples in context
- I tried to put a brave face on it when my application was unsuccessful.
- She was putting a brave face on the delay for the sake of the younger children.
Usage note
You can “put a brave face on something” or “put on a brave face”. The expression describes outward appearance; it does not mean the person has stopped feeling upset.
A short conversation
A: Is Maya really all right about the postponement?
B: I think she’s putting a brave face on it. She worked hard on the event.
A: I’ll ask if she wants to talk.
One more practice question
Someone puts a brave face on a disappointment. What may be true?
A. They necessarily feel no disappointment at all.
B. They look composed while still feeling upset.
Check your answer
B. The phrase highlights a difference between outward behaviour and inner feelings.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.