keep a stiff upper lip
Endure without complaining
To keep a stiff upper lip is to remain stoic and composed in the face of difficulty or emotional distress—to not cry or show weakness.
The phrase evokes the trembling lip that precedes tears, held firm by willpower.
Strongly associated with British reserve: He kept a stiff upper lip throughout the funeral.
Sometimes used critically to suggest emotional repression.
Enduring courage under pain
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- steadfastnessFirm loyal dedication
- resolveFirmness of purpose
grit · determination · tenacity · backbone · inner strength · toughness · stoicism · bearing up
Unshakable mental steadiness
- poiseGraceful, unshakable calm
- self-controlAbility to restrain impulses
- calmnessPeaceful mental state
- aplombSelf-assured composure
collectedness · self-possession · steadiness · coolness · serenity · unflappability · dignity · restraint
Unemotionally calm, slow-reacting
- understatedDeliberately minimized in expression
- reservedRestrained in manner
- buttoned-upFormally reserved, emotionally guarded
- properSocially appropriate
decorum · formal · Victorian · public school · wartime spirit · Blitz spirit · cricket · dignity
fortitude
Enduring courage under pain
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- steadfastnessFirm loyal dedication
resolve · grit · determination · tenacity · backbone · inner strength · toughness · stoicism · bearing up · carrying on
equanimity
Unshakable mental steadiness
- poiseGraceful, unshakable calm
- self-controlAbility to restrain impulses
- calmnessPeaceful mental state
aplomb · collectedness · self-possession · steadiness · coolness · serenity · unflappability · dignity · restraint · reserve
phlegmatic
Unemotionally calm, slow-reacting
- understatedDeliberately minimized in expression
- reservedRestrained in manner
- buttoned-upFormally reserved, emotionally guarded
proper · decorum · formal · Victorian · public school · wartime spirit · Blitz spirit · cricket · dignity · sangfroid
keep a stiff upper lipbreak down
Fail mechanically or emotionally
fall apart · burst into tears · have a meltdown · lose it · go to pieces
keep a stiff upper liplet one's guard down
Cease being defensive
open up · emote · catastrophize · overshare
keep a stiff upper lipcrumble
Fragment gradually
cave in · buckle · give way · throw in the towel · fall to pieces
stiff, upper, keeping, keeps, stiffness, stiffened, stiffly, stiffening, stiffer