ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stiff upper lip

idiom
Meaning

The quality of being resolute and showing self-restraint, stereotypically associated with the British; especially as keep a stiff upper lip.


Origin

first recorded 19th c.

Of American origin; the earliest known use is in 1811.https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Olive_Branch_Or_Faults_on_Both_Sides/vG89AAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=stiff+upper+lip&pg=PA237&printsec=frontcover

Examples
SIMPLE

Try to keep a stiff upper lip during the difficult meeting.

CONTEXTUAL

Even though the news was disappointing, he kept a stiff upper lip and finished his presentation.

COMPLEX

Despite the mounting pressures of the crisis, the leader maintained a stiff upper lip, projecting an air of calm resolve to the anxious public.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bite one's lip

    To forcibly prevent oneself from speaking, especially in order to avoid saying something inappropriate or likely to cause a dispute.

  2. 02

    button one's lip

    To remain silent, especially in order to keep a secret or to avoid saying something inappropriate.

  3. 03

    fat lip

    A swelling on the lip, especially one resulting from a punch or other blow.

  4. 04

    give lip

    To speak to someone rudely or without respect.

  5. 05

    lip service

    Promising but empty talk; words without action or intention.

  6. 06

    loose lip

    The practice or characteristic of being overly talkative, especially with respect to inadvertently revealing information which is private or confidential.

  7. 07

    shoot from the lip

    To speak confidently and unhesitantly but without careful forethought or a reliable knowledge of important facts pertaining to the subject matter.

  8. 08

    upper crust

    The social elite, the highest social class.

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