stiff upper lip

/stɪf ˌʌpər lɪp/
IPA guide

Other forms: stiff upper lips

Definitions of stiff upper lip
  1. noun
    self-restraint in the expression of emotion (especially fear or grief)
    “the British like to keep a stiff upper lip”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    self-restraint, temperateness
    exhibiting restraint imposed on the self
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘stiff upper lip'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family