# with one's head held high

idiom

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

## Meaning

Proudly, with pride.

## Examples

- She walked out of the room with her head held high.
- Even though he lost the competition, he accepted his medal with his head held high.
- Despite the harsh criticism from his peers, he stood his ground and finished his presentation with his head held high.

## Origin

From the phrase *hold one's head high*. No specific year of origin or named author is recorded for the idiomatic extension.

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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.