What does "keep a stiff upper lip" mean?

Answer 1

It means keep your composure and grace. Think of someone hearing horrible heartbreaking news. As they break down, first the expression goes blank, and as the news sets in their upper lip starts to quiver and their eyes glass over. Then the person collapses in grief.

In times of hardship, losing composure could compound the hardship. The saying was used often during the Battle of Britain, when the V1 rockets rained down on London. People lost everything, but to collapse in grief would be a sign of weakness that implied the Germans were succeeding in their terror. "Keep a Stiff Upper Lip" meant that despite the grief, remaining composed would show that Britain would never be defeated.

Answer 2

For that you have to be a brit during 1940 during the battle of Britain when the entire might of the Nazi Germany war machine stood poised at the French coast to extinguish the last hope of freedom and democracy in Europe....with the BEF (British Expeditionary Force) devoid of all its equipment after the rescue at Dunkirk this was the Brit's finest hour in the human civilization...and yes if they keep a stiff upper lip they have earned by jove remaining defiant to the last to Hitler!!! Historically the sun never sets on the British empire is the reason for fostering this attitude among the British during the colonial era ...they had to train young men to be rulers and administrators and warriors to run the colonies all over the world. Today it is an anachronism...as most brits have a soft upper lip...especially the English women....Nigella Lawson ...bro if god made a unique specimen she is certainly one of them. As for you aussies ....you are wild loud bunch but the best fighters in a tough scrap when the odds are stacked up against you....the battle of Tobruk 1941 - 42 ...Rommel couldn't take Tobruk until the aussie troops were replaced by South Africans....I don't know what stiff part you have ...but you certainly earned it then.

Answer 3

To keep a stiff upper lip is to display courage and resolution in the face of adversity, to maintain a stoic appearance and so avoid showing weakness or emotion. The idea behind it is that when fear or other deep emotion threaten to overcome a person, one of the first signs is the upper lip beginning to tremble. In Britain, it has long since become a cliché linked to the once much-admired products of the public schools, who were sent into the Empire to battle adversity while keeping their emotions bottled up and their countenances cheerful, because it was the thing to do. Gotta love the Brits!

Answer 4

Keeping a stiff upper lip can be hard to do and that's why it became an expression. When someone gets upset, his or her lips might tremble. If you keep a stiff upper lip, you are trying not to show you are upset. This expression dates back to the 1800s, but it is still used today.

"Keep your chin up" has a similar meaning. When someone is sad or depressed, the person might drop his or her head, bringing the chin down toward the chest. A chin held high shows confidence and optimism. So the next time you get a lower grade than you expected, keep your chin up and try to do better next time!

Answer 5

It means to keep one's composer, even when times are trying.

Answer 6

To remain emotionally strong and not collapse in a heap.

Answer 7

It means : Keep Your Mouth Shut , Don't Say A word .

Answer 8

to be stern I think.... think of what your upper lip does when you say Grrrrr.... it become stiff right?

Answer 9

Stay strong

Answer 10

It means to stay strong.