What does the idiom "put on a brave face" mean?

The expression put on a brave face is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the put on a brave face idiom.

Meaning of "put on a brave face"

Meaning

The idiom "put on a brave face" means to put on a strong front, to show emotional strength in the face of difficult or trying times. It refers to appearing calm and collected, though one may be feeling the opposite inside. The individual puts on a brave face to symbolise that they will not be intimidated by a situation or difficult emotions. Through this expression, a person is attempting to gain control of a situation or to cope with the situation in the best way possible.

Etymology

The phrase "put on a brave face" first appeared in print in 1739 as a phrase in John Gauden’s book, “Ecclesiastical and Other Poems”. The expression is believed to stem from an age-old need to appear strong, particularly in the face of adversity or challenging times. It was important for individuals to show strength, both to themselves and those around them, during times of uncertainty.

Usage

The phrase "put on a brave face" is used in all levels of English conversation. It is used to refer to a person's state of mind during a difficult, emotionally straining situation, such as the death of a loved one, a job loss, a major exam. It is also used to refer to situations in which a person must remain composed or collected in the face of a difficult or hostile environment. It is often used metaphorically to refer to putting on a false show of strength or courage when in fact the person is anything but strong.

Example Sentences

  • The divorce was hard on her, but she put on a brave face to get through it.
  • The young soldier put on a brave face as he headed off to battle.
  • Although she was scared, Rose put on a brave face and went inside the haunted house.

The meanings of the words in the "put on a brave face" idiom

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.

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