keep your dignity

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep your dignity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used as a piece of advice or encouragement to someone who may be going through a difficult or embarrassing situation. It can also be used to remind someone to maintain their composure and self-respect in the face of adversity. Example: "Even though you were wrongfully accused, it's important to keep your dignity during the investigation." "Despite the criticism, she managed to keep her dignity and respond with grace and poise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But is it possible to take part in those games and keep your dignity?

The Guardian

"With that kind of sickness," Peggy said afterward, "you could keep your dignity".

The New York Times - Magazine

He said: 'You must always keep your dignity.' And what a dignified man he is.

The Guardian - Sport

Or maybe he just can't help himself - he hates it when people call him a "space cadet"; it makes it hard to keep your dignity.

The Guardian - Music

Still you want to keep your dignity, you keep wearing your suit.

Huffington Post

I've always taught him, no matter where you are, you keep your dignity, so I can't tell you how proud I am when the guards say nice things about him.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Would you have kept your dignity, or become a musical pantomime?

The Guardian - Music

Most importantly, leave knowing you've kept your dignity intact.

WikiHow

Even where you don't get what it is that you wanted, you have gone about being persistent in a way that earns respect and keeps your dignity completely intact.

WikiHow

Humor is the best way to diffuse the situation and keep your own dignity intact.

WikiHow

I feel the virus running through my veins…" But he picks himself up when his mother comes along and says to him "everything will turn out fine, eventually; just be strong, keep your head up high with dignity, hand-in-hand we now face the same common enemy, cause no matter what happens, you still got a family".

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice, use "keep your dignity" to encourage someone to maintain self-respect and composure, especially in challenging or embarrassing situations.

Common error

Avoid using "keep your dignity" in overly casual or lighthearted conversations; it's more appropriate for situations involving respect, integrity, or composure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep your dignity" functions primarily as an imperative, offering advice or encouragement to maintain self-respect and composure, particularly in challenging or embarrassing situations. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

32%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep your dignity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that provides advice on maintaining self-respect, integrity, and composure especially during difficult times. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, mainly news, media, and wiki sources, but should be used thoughtfully in casual conversations. Related alternatives include ""maintain your self-respect"" and ""preserve your honor"". When using the phrase, consider the importance of the situation and ensure that it aligns with the need for maintaining respect and integrity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain dignified

A more concise way of advising someone to maintain their dignity.

maintain your self-respect

Focuses more explicitly on the aspect of self-regard.

preserve your honor

Emphasizes moral uprightness and societal esteem.

retain your composure

Highlights the act of staying calm and collected.

uphold your integrity

Stresses adherence to moral principles.

protect your reputation

Centers on safeguarding one's public image.

keep your head high

Suggests facing adversity with pride and confidence.

hold your head up high

Similar to 'keep your head high', it advises facing adversity with pride.

act with decorum

Highlights behaving in a proper and polite manner.

handle yourself with grace

Focuses on behaving elegantly and tactfully.

FAQs

How can I use "keep your dignity" in a sentence?

You can use "keep your dignity" to advise someone to maintain their self-respect and composure, such as, "Even though you disagree, it's important to "keep your dignity" during the discussion."

What does it mean to "keep your dignity"?

To "keep your dignity" means to maintain self-respect, composure, and moral integrity, especially when facing difficult or embarrassing situations. It involves behaving in a way that upholds your personal value and worth.

What can I say instead of "keep your dignity"?

You can use alternatives like "maintain your self-respect", "preserve your honor", or "retain your composure" depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to advise someone to "keep your dignity"?

It's appropriate to advise someone to "keep your dignity" in situations where they might be facing embarrassment, unfair treatment, or moral challenges. This encourages them to act in a way that preserves their self-respect and integrity, even when it's difficult.