You can’t keep a good man down
phrasal verb
It's impossible to keep someone good or hardworking from succeeding, no matter how hard the situations are.
Despite losing his job, John was able to start his own company. You can't keep a good man down.
Often appears as...
- despite the obstacles
- you can't keep a good man down
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
It's impossible to keep someone good or hardworking from succeeding, no matter how hard the situations are.
Despite losing his job, John was able to start his own company. You can't keep a good man down.
Often appears as...
- despite the obstacles
- you can't keep a good man down
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Optimistic Tone
The phrase has an uplifting, hopeful tone, suggesting someone will overcome challenges.
He recovered from the injury faster than expected—you can't keep a good man down!
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Speech
Understand it's not literal; it means someone with a strong spirit can't be stopped.
After the flood, the community rebuilt the town. You can't keep a good man down.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Character
The 'good man' is someone with positive attributes like resilience and integrity, not just any man.
She bounced back from failure and excelled, proving you can't keep a good man down.
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