Figurative meaning
to put up with something unpleasant while suppressing complaints and maintaining a smile
Word picture
A person is pictured forcing a smile while carrying the full weight of an uncomfortable experience.
Example
“The campsite was noisy, but we decided to grin and bear it for one night.”
Recorded usage
These full forms were measured in COCA in 2016–2017. Counts apply to the quoted form, not every use of this idiom; overlapping forms are not added together.
Grouped source variants; editorially classified here as an idiom. Usage counts are separate from CEFR difficulty.
Dictionary details
Tags
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
come to terms with
CEFR B2to gradually accept and emotionally deal with a difficult reality
hope against hope
CEFR B2To continue wishing for a good result even when it seems almost impossible.
light at the end of the tunnel
CEFR B2A sign that a difficult period may soon improve or end.
one of those things
CEFR B2an odd or unfortunate situation accepted as unavoidable and not worth further explanation
cold comfort
CEFR C1Consolation that offers little real relief in a painful or difficult situation.
blow off steam
CEFR B1to release pent-up energy or emotion through some activity
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.