a brave face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brave face" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is trying to appear cheerful or strong in a difficult situation, despite feeling upset or worried. Example: "Even though she was heartbroken, she put on a brave face and attended the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ozouf puts a brave face on it.

The Guardian

Negotiators put on a brave face.

The Guardian

BIL put a brave face on the news.

The Economist

THEY put a brave face on it in Catalonia.

The Economist

EUROPEAN commissioners often have to put on a brave face.

The Economist

Ministers are putting a brave face on things.

Independent

BOTH sides put a brave face on things in Ankara.

The Economist

Ms. Stucki put a brave face on the proceedings.

The New York Times

In public, though, NATO puts on a brave face.

The Economist

Greece puts a brave face on for tourists.

Independent

Gatland tried to put a brave face on it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "a brave face" when someone is genuinely happy or confident. The phrase suggests underlying negative emotions.

Common error

Don't use "a brave face" to simply mean someone is happy or confident. It specifically denotes someone trying to hide negative emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brave face" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of verbs like "put on", "wear", or "show". It describes the action of outwardly displaying courage or happiness despite inner feelings of distress, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brave face" is a common phrase used to describe someone who is trying to appear strong or cheerful despite feeling upset or worried. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's crucial to remember that it implies underlying negative emotions, distinguishing it from genuine happiness or confidence. To convey similar meanings, alternatives like "put on a strong front" or "maintain a courageous demeanor" can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put on a strong front

This alternative emphasizes the act of creating a facade of strength.

maintain a courageous demeanor

This option suggests a sustained display of bravery and composure.

keep a stiff upper lip

This idiom highlights emotional restraint in the face of adversity.

show fortitude

This focuses on displaying inner strength and resilience.

present a confident facade

This stresses the superficial appearance of confidence.

display resilience

This underlines the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

act undeterred

This highlights a lack of discouragement despite challenges.

keep spirits up

This alternative focuses on maintaining morale in a tough situation.

grin and bear it

This idiom suggests enduring hardship with a forced smile.

face the music

This idiom implies accepting the consequences with composure.

FAQs

How can I use "a brave face" in a sentence?

You can use "a brave face" to describe someone who is trying to appear cheerful or strong in a difficult situation. For example, "Despite the bad news, she tried to put on "a brave face" for her children".

What does it mean to put on "a brave face"?

To put on "a brave face" means to try to appear happy or confident, even though you are feeling sad, worried, or afraid. It's about showing resilience and strength in difficult times.

Are there situations where using "a brave face" would be inappropriate?

Using "a brave face" might be inappropriate if it prevents you from processing your emotions healthily or seeking necessary support. It's essential to balance strength with vulnerability.

What are some alternative ways to say "a brave face"?

You can use alternatives like "put on a strong front", "maintain a courageous demeanor", or "keep a stiff upper lip" to convey a similar meaning.