take on the chin
Bear without flinching
To take something on the chin is to endure a setback or criticism without complaint or evasion.
The image is from boxing—absorbing a direct blow rather than ducking or blocking.
The company took the loss on the chin and moved forward.
She took the criticism on the chin and kept working.
The phrase suggests resilience and composure under adversity.
- sufferExperience pain or distress
- roll with the punchesCope with adversity flexibly
- endureSuffer through without yielding
- absorbTake in fully
- withstandRemain intact despite pressure
weather the storm · accept · tolerate · bear · bite the bullet · fortitude · stoicism · composure · receive · defeat · tough break · face · confront · face the music · humility · criticism · brave · suck it up
take on the chinmake excuses
Give self-serving explanations
pass the buck · shift the blame · whine · cry foul · complain
take, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, chin, chins, chinned