What does “Take it on the chin” mean?
"Take it on the chin" means to accept something difficult or unpleasant without complaining or showing emotion.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He lost the game but took it on the chin.
Example
She received criticism for her performance but took it on the chin.
Example
Despite the setback, he took the failure on the chin and kept moving forward
Is “Take it on the chin” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Take it on the chin” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Take it on the chin” effectively in context?
You can use "Take it on the chin" to encourage someone to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation without complaining or showing emotion. It emphasizes the need for resilience and the ability to handle setbacks gracefully. For example, if a friend receives criticism for their work, you might say, 'Don't let it get to you. Just take it on the chin and keep improving.'
- 1Sports
Even though they lost the game, the team took it on the chin and congratulated the winners.
- 2Work
Despite the negative feedback, she took it on the chin and used it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
- 3Personal Relationships
When faced with rejection, he took it on the chin and moved on without dwelling on it.
Similar phrases to “Take it on the chin”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Take it on the chin” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Take it on the chin" is unknown.
Is “Take it on the chin” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Take it on the chin" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to encourage others to handle difficult situations with grace and resilience, or to express their own ability to accept setbacks without complaint.
What tone does “Take it on the chin” have?
"Take it on the chin" conveys a tone of resilience and strength. It's often used in a supportive context to acknowledge the challenges someone is facing and to encourage them to face those challenges head-on.
Can “Take it on the chin” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "take it on the chin" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of accepting difficult situations without complaint. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She received criticism but took it on the chin.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "take it on the chin"!' to imply readiness to face a challenge.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- accept it stoically
- face it without complaint
- handle it with grace
- endure it silently
- embrace the challenge
Antonyms
- complain
- show emotion
- react strongly
- resist
- fight back
