# grin and bear it

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/grin-and-bear-it
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To endure a difficult or disagreeable situation with good humor.

## Examples

- The meeting is boring, but you just have to grin and bear it.
- The train was delayed for three hours, so the passengers had to grin and bear it until help arrived.
- Although the new regulations were frustrating and difficult to implement, the staff decided to grin and bear it to ensure the project remained on schedule.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.