keep a stiff upper lip Definition

lip
noun

1. Either of the two fleshy parts which form the edge of the mouth.
2. The edge or rim of something, especially a container for liquid.

Thesaurus: edge, border, rim, verge, margin.
3. Part of the edge of such a rim that has been extended to form a small spout.

Example: the lip of the milk jug
4. slang
Cheek.
Thesaurus: insolence, cheek, impudence, impertinence, effrontery, rudeness, sauciness; sass (US slang), backchat (slang), back talk (US slang).

Derivative: lippy
adj

Cheeky.

Idiom: to give someone lip

To talk in a cheeky way.

Idiom: keep a stiff upper lip

To show no emotion or worry when faced with difficulties.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon as lippa.

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stiff
adj

1. Not easily bent or folded; rigid.

Thesaurus: solid, rigid, congealed, petrified, firm, ossified, unyielding, inflexible, hard, stony, cemented, steely; Antonym: flexible, soft.
2. Said of limbs, joints, etc: lacking suppleness; not moving or bending easily.
3. Said of a punishment, etc: harsh; severe.
4. Said of a task, etc: difficult; arduous.
5. Said of a wind: blowing strongly.
6. Said of someone or their manner: not natural and relaxed; over-formal;

Example: stiff-lipped
Thesaurus: formal, awkward, ungainly, ungraceful, artificial, forced, laboured, mannered, wooden; Antonym: graceful, informal.
7. Thick in consistency; viscous.
8. colloq
Said of an alcoholic drink: not diluted or only lightly diluted; strong.
Thesaurus: strong, potent, hard, powerful, having a wallop (US slang).
9. Said of a price: excessively high.

adverb

1. colloq
To an extreme degree.
Example: scared stiff

noun

slang:
1. A corpse.
2. Something, especially a race-horse, that is destined to fail.

Derivative: stiffish
adj

Derivative: stiffly
adverb

Derivative: stiffness
noun

Idiom: have a stiff upper lip (keep a stiff upper lip)

To show or maintain self-control and resignation in the face of disappointment, difficulty, unpleasantness, etc.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon stif.