Take something on the chin
verb
To accept a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely or stoically.
He took the rejection on the chin and kept trying.

Often appears as...
- take criticism on the chin
- take defeat on the chin
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
verb
In boxing, to receive a punch squarely on the chin.
He took a solid right hook on the chin.

Often appears as...
- take a punch on the chin
- take a hit on the chin
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To accept a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely or stoically.
He took the rejection on the chin and kept trying.

Often appears as...
- take criticism on the chin
- take defeat on the chin
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
verb
In boxing, to receive a punch squarely on the chin.
He took a solid right hook on the chin.

Often appears as...
- take a punch on the chin
- take a hit on the chin
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2

Figurative Use
The phrase is not literal; it means facing adversity without complaint, not actual impact to the face.

Despite the tough feedback, she took it on the chin and improved her work.
Conveys Resilience
Using this expression suggests someone is strong and resilient, often commendable qualities.

The team took the loss on the chin and practiced even harder for the next game.
Not Complaining
It implies that the person doesn't complain or make excuses when things don't go well.

He took the criticism on the chin and didn’t try to argue.
Figurative Use
The phrase is not literal; it means facing adversity without complaint, not actual impact to the face.

Despite the tough feedback, she took it on the chin and improved her work.
Conveys Resilience
Using this expression suggests someone is strong and resilient, often commendable qualities.

The team took the loss on the chin and practiced even harder for the next game.
Not Complaining
It implies that the person doesn't complain or make excuses when things don't go well.

He took the criticism on the chin and didn’t try to argue.
Figurative Use
The phrase is not literal; it means facing adversity without complaint, not actual impact to the face.

Despite the tough feedback, she took it on the chin and improved her work.
Conveys Resilience
Using this expression suggests someone is strong and resilient, often commendable qualities.

The team took the loss on the chin and practiced even harder for the next game.
Not Complaining
It implies that the person doesn't complain or make excuses when things don't go well.

He took the criticism on the chin and didn’t try to argue.
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