grins and bears it
Smiles through pain
To grin and bear it is to endure something unpleasant without complaining, putting on a brave or cheerful face despite discomfort.
Someone who grins and bears it accepts an unavoidable situation stoically: The service was terrible, but she just grinned and bore it.
The phrase often implies resignation rather than genuine acceptance.
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- patienceCalm during delays
- cheerfulnessState of bright spirits
- determinationFirmness of purpose
bites tongue · soldiers on · levity · fortitude · composure · resolve · wit · inner strength · tough it out · adaptability · playfulness · self-control · stiff upper lip · endurance · steadfastness · tenacity · sucks it up · lightheartedness
grins and bears itwhines
Complains in high-pitched tones
sounds off · bellyaches · vents · makes a scene · speaks up
grins and bears itfights back
Opposes an attacker
walks away · rebels · quits · pushes back · takes action
grins and bears itfalls apart
Breaks into components
breaks down · loses it · goes to pieces · snaps · throws a tantrum
grin, grins, grinned, grinning, bear, bears, bearing, bearable, unbearable