Phrase guide

stiff upper lip

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The quality of being resolute and showing self-restraint, stereotypically associated with the British; especially as keep a stiff upper lip.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

self-restraint in the expression of emotion (especially fear or grief)

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the British like to keep a stiff upper lip

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: self-restraint, temperateness

History

Etymology

Of American origin; the earliest known use is in 1811.https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Olive_Branch_Or_Faults_on_Both_Sides/vG89AAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=stiff+upper+lip&pg=PA237&printsec=frontcover