(keep your) chin up
Meaning(s)
1. remain cheerful or positive in a difficult situation
Popularity
Medium
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
come on, keep your chin up!
Analysis
This expression, which can also be shortened to 'chin up,' is used to encourage somebody to keep trying and to stay positive when experiencing difficulty. It references a person's tendency to drop their chin towards their chest when upset or down about something. While it is spoken in the form of a command, it is never used negatively as it is meant as a friendly piece of advice or encouragement. The term is common in both a social and professional context, and shares a similar meaning to the phrases 'hold your head up high,' and 'keep your head up.'
Social Examples (Basic)
- The best way to get through difficult times is to adopt a positive mental attitude which means you need to keep your chin up!
- Come on, chin up! It's never nice being unwell, but you will be back on your feet in no time!
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Yes, we've suffered another big setback, but we can't give up now. Keep your chin up! Things will get better soon, I'm sure of it.