1 B1 idiomatic informal
To accept and endure a difficult, disappointing, or unpleasant situation without complaining.
"I know the training is hard, but sometimes you just have to suck it up and push through."
inseparable
suck it up
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To endure a difficult, painful, or unpleasant situation without complaining.
In plain English
Stop complaining and just deal with it.
What does "suck it up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
The 'it' is fixed and cannot be replaced or separated. Often used as a direct command ('just suck it up'). Can sound harsh or dismissive. Widespread in American English and spreading globally through media. Not appropriate in formal contexts.
Words that pair with "suck it up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
complaint pain disappointment loss situation
How to conjugate "suck it up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
suck it up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sucks it up
he/she/it
Past simple
sucked it up
yesterday
Past participle
sucked it up
have + pp
-ing form
sucking it up
continuous
Hear "suck it up" in the wild
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