Put on a brave face
Meaning
To feign courage or cheerfulness despite feeling fear, sadness, or discomfort.
Origin
The core idea of presenting a public facade of courage has ancient roots, with the word 'face' long serving as a metaphor for one's outward appearance and composure. Earlier expressions like 'to set a bold face on' or 'to put a good face on things' were common by the 16th and 17th centuries, conveying the act of feigning confidence. As social expectations for stoicism and resilience became more pronounced, particularly during the 19th century, the specific idiom 'put on a brave face' solidified into common usage. It became a succinct, powerful way to describe the universal human effort to mask internal struggles and project strength, a necessary social performance for many.
Examples
- She had to put on a brave face for her children, even though she was devastated by the news.
- Despite the pain, the injured athlete managed to put on a brave face and salute the crowd.