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Region: UK | Usage example: He kept a stiff upper lip during the crisis.

Stiff upper lip

Meaning

Display courage and restraint.

Usage

Used to admire calmness under pressure.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Associated with British stoicism, but the phrase was first recorded in the United States.

First recorded in 1815.

Related Idioms

Upper hand

Having the advantage in a contest or negotiation.

Fight tooth and nail

Struggle vigorously and aggressively to achieve something.

Beat around the bush

Avoid stating something directly.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.