TO KEEP A STIFF UPPER-LIP, verb. phr. (common).—To be courageous, self-reliant under difficulties, unflinching in quest.
1833. NEAL, The Down-Easters, ii. 15. KEEP A STIFF UPPER LIP; no bones broke—don’t I know?
1835. HALIBURTON (‘Sam Slick’), The Clockmaker, 1st S. xxxii. He was well to do in the world once, CARRIED A STIFF UPPER LIP, and keered for no one.
1847. W. T. THOMPSON, Chronicles of Pineville, 150. Tut, tut, major, KEEP A STIFF UPPER LIP, and you’ll bring him this time.
1850. H. B. STOWE, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, xii. I hope you keep up good heart, and are cheerful. Now, no sulks, ye see; KEEP A STIFF UPPER LIP, boys; do well by me, and I’ll do well by you.
1899. WESTCOTT, David Harum, xvi. He’s got a pretty STIFF UPPER LIP of his own, I reckon.
