ENGLISH
REFERENCE

keep one's pecker up

idiom
Meaning

To remain cheerful; keep smiling.


Origin

disputed origin

From pecker, meaning "nose", by analogy with beak.

Examples
SIMPLE

Keep your pecker up, things will get better soon.

CONTEXTUAL

Even though the project failed, she tried to keep her pecker up and look for new opportunities.

COMPLEX

Despite the mounting difficulties and the long road ahead, he resolved to keep his pecker up and maintain a positive outlook for the sake of his team.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

Last updated July 12, 2026