What does ‘keep your chin up’ mean?
To “keep your chin up” means to stay cheerful in difficulty. A modern encouragement not in Brewer's 1898; the image is of literal posture betraying mood.
Origin
- A modern encouragement not in Brewer's 1898; the image is of literal posture betraying mood.
How to use it
- Standard consolation phrase.
- Example: Chin up — things will get better.
Source:
Last verified: 2026-07-18
- Definitions and origins are drawn from public-domain reference works, primarily Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1898), with modern usage notes clearly marked.