# hold one's head high

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hold-ones-head-high
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To act with pride; to be proud in a positive way.

## Examples

- You did your best, so hold your head high.
- Even though the team lost the final game, they could still hold their heads high because they played with great effort.
- Despite the harsh criticism directed at her work, she chose to hold her head high, knowing that she had remained true to her original vision.

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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.