kiːp jɔːr tʃɪn ʌp
Body Parts
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- To hold your chin in an elevated position
What does "keep your chin up" mean?
- To stay positive and not be discouraged
- To remain cheerful despite difficulties
Examples
- Keep your chin up—things will get better.
- She kept her chin up throughout the difficult period.
- I know it's hard, but try to keep your chin up.
Origin
A raised chin suggests confidence and optimism, while a lowered chin suggests defeat. Encouraging someone to 'keep their chin up' means to stay positive.
How to use it
Encouraging phrase for someone facing difficulties. Shows emotional support.
Similar expressions
stay positive
cheer up
don't lose hope
Opposites
give up
lose heart
be defeated
Related idioms
- keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something carefully
- heart of gold
A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
- bite your tongue
To stop oneself from saying something
Use it in a practice answer
Try "keep your chin up" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.