An expression used to encourage someone to stay positive and brave when facing difficulty.
Don't be sad — hold your head up high and be strong, even when things are hard.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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.
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."
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.
Don't be sad — hold your head up high and be strong, even when things are hard.
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.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "chin up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.