chin up

B1 informal intransitive

In simple words

Don't be sad — hold your head up high and be strong, even when things are hard.

Literal meaning: To physically raise one's chin — the metaphorical meaning (courage, resilience) comes from the posture of standing tall instead of hanging one's head in shame.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

common

An encouraging expression telling someone to remain positive and courageous in the face of difficulty or sadness.

"Chin up — I know the exam results were disappointing, but you can always resit next term."

"Chin up. I know it feels hopeless, but it won't always feel this way."

Grammar: inseparable

2 A2 neutral

common

An exercise movement in which one pulls oneself up by the arms on a bar (also called a chin-up or pull-up).

"He managed to do fifteen chin-ups without stopping during the fitness test."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Used almost exclusively as an imperative phrase of encouragement: 'Chin up!' It is more common in British English than American English. Can sound slightly old-fashioned but remains widely understood. Literally refers to the posture of keeping one's chin raised rather than dropping it in defeat.

Commonly used with

soldier tough time failure setback loss heartbreak

Forms

Base

chin up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

chins up

he/she/it

Past simple

chined up

yesterday

Past participle

chined up

have + pp

-ing form

chining up

continuous

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Synonyms

cheer up keep your chin up hang in there stay strong don't give up be brave

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