Stiff upper lip
Meaning
To suppress one's emotions and remain courageous and uncomplaining in the face of adversity or distress.
Origin
Imagine the quivering lip, a tell-tale sign of distress about to break. To stiffen it, then, is an act of pure will—a silent, internal battle against the flood of emotion. This physical gesture became a potent metaphor in 19th-century Britain, crystallizing into the phrase 'stiff upper lip.' It wasn't just about suppressing tears; it was an entire philosophy, an unwritten code of conduct that demanded stoicism and resilience in the face of hardship. From the battlefields of the Empire to the drawing-rooms of Victorian society, the 'stiff upper lip' became the very essence of British character—a quiet, unwavering resolve that valued enduring without complaint above all else, no matter how much one might be crumbling inside.
Examples
- Despite the tragic news, she managed to keep a stiff upper lip and deliver the presentation as planned.
- The coach told his team to keep a stiff upper lip after their narrow defeat and focus on the next game.