Meaning of Idiom ‘Keep a Stiff Upper Lip’
To keep a stiff upper lip means to appear calm and to not show your emotions, especially during upsetting or painful situations; to be steadfast and courageous. British people are stereotypically believed to be very good at keeping a stiff upper lip. 1,2
Usage
“Growing up, we had many bad times, but we were taught to keep a stiff upper lip.”
“It was so unusual to see Mr. Farley upset. He always keeps a stiff upper lip.”
Origin
Used since the early 1800’s, the idiom probably alludes to how your upper lip trembles or quivers just before you begin to cry. Thus, the idiom refers to holding in feelings and not allowing any outward displays of emotion.
More Idioms Starting with K
- Kick the Tires
- Know Something Like the Back Of One’s Hand
- Know Where One Stands
- Keep a Lookout Meaning
- Keep an Eye Out Meaning
More Body Part Idioms
- Go Belly Up
- Stand On Someone’s Shoulders
- In One’s Face
- Give Someone the Cold Shoulder
- Know Something Like the Back Of One’s Hand
- Out of the Corner of One’s Eye
More Keep Idioms
More Lip Idioms
More Stiff Idioms
This page contains one or more affiliate links. See full affiliate disclosure.
References- Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
- Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008.