# keep one's pecker up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/keep-ones-pecker-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To remain cheerful; keep smiling.

## Examples

- Keep your pecker up, things will get better soon.
- He tries to keep his pecker up during the long winter months.
- You should keep your pecker up even when the work is boring.
- Even though the project failed, she tried to keep her pecker up and look for new opportunities.
- After you lose a game, it is important to keep your pecker up and shake hands with the other players.
- We need to keep our pecker up while we wait for the mechanic to fix the car on this rainy day.
- The small business owner struggled during the first year but managed to keep her pecker up by focusing on her loyal customers and future goals.
- 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.

## Origin

From the noun *pecker*, used as a synonym for "nose" by analogy with a bird's beak. The idiom dictates that the nose be kept elevated to signify a resolute or cheerful disposition, a posture requiring the head to remain upright rather than bowed. As the anatomical term shifted in modern usage, the original facial reference was largely obscured.

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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.