Grin and bear it

[0672] Take it on the chin

🎲 Under the weather
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To accept criticism, defeat, punishment, or bad news bravely and stoically, without complaining or making excuses.

Origin

  • Originates from boxing, where literally taking a punch on the chin without falling shows resilience and toughness. The chin is a vulnerable point where a direct hit can cause a knockout.
  • Metaphorically extended to accepting any kind of blow (criticism, failure, bad luck) with fortitude.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Accept responsibility
  • Face the music
  • Keep a stiff upper lip (Similar stoicism, but broader than just accepting defeat/criticism)
  • Grin and bear it (Similar endurance, but less specific to accepting blows/criticism)
  • Bite the bullet (Facing something difficult, often overlaps)
  • Accept defeat gracefully

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Suck it up (Harsh, implies enduring without complaint)
  • Own it (Take responsibility for your actions/mistakes)

Milder/More Formal:

  • Accept the outcome.
  • Handle the criticism constructively.
  • Acknowledge the setback.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal to semi-formal.
  • Common in sports, work, and personal contexts where resilience in the face of setbacks is discussed.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Learners need to understand the boxing metaphor and that it relates to accepting negative outcomes bravely, not literal physical impact.

Examples

  • His proposal was rejected, but he took it on the chin and promised to improve it.
  • The team lost the final game, but they took it on the chin gracefully.
  • You made a mistake, now you have to take it on the chin and face the consequences.

Dialogue

Coach: We didn't win today, team. It hurts, I know.

Captain: We played our best, coach. Sometimes the other team is just better on the day.

Coach: Exactly. We learn from this, and we take it on the chin. Heads up, let's congratulate them.

Captain: Right, let's go.

Social Media Examples

  • Sports Tweet: Tough loss for the team tonight, but they took it on the chin. Respect. #Sportsmanship #Resilience
  • Business Post: Got some harsh feedback on the presentation. Gotta take it on the chin and use it to improve. #Feedback #GrowthMindset
  • Comment: He needs to stop blaming others and just take it on the chin.

Response Patterns

  • (If advised to do so) Okay, I understand. / You're right.
  • (If observing someone else) He handled that well. / That showed character.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone takes it on the chin:

  • Action: Express respect for their composure, possibly offer encouragement for the future.

After advising someone to take it on the chin:

  • Action: Observe if they accept responsibility, offer constructive feedback if appropriate.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Describes a reaction to adversity, criticism, or defeat.

Intonation

  • Often said with a tone of respect for someone's resilience, or as firm advice. Stress usually on chin. Take it on the CHIN.

Generation Differences

  • Widely understood and used across generations, possibly slightly more common among men due to the boxing origin, but used by all.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions, especially UK, Aus, and US.
Grin and bear it
🎲 Under the weather