English idiom

keep your chin up

Register · Informal CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

To stay cheerful and brave during a difficult time.

Why this phrase?

A raised chin signals confidence rather than defeat.

Example

“Keep your chin up; you'll find a new job before long.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

a blessing in disguise

Something that seems bad at first but turns out to have a good outcome.

break a leg

A way of wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance.

hang in there

to persevere and not give up despite difficulty

land on your feet

to recover safely from a difficult situation

water off a duck's back

criticism that has no effect on someone

the world is your oyster

You are free to enjoy all the opportunities life has to offer.

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.

External links

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