put on a good face

USAGE SUMMARY

"put on a good face" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of someone presenting themselves in a positive or hopeful light, especially in difficult or challenging situations. For example: "Though the company was facing many financial difficulties, the CEO put on a good face and reassured everyone that things would improve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Dominant faiths can afford tales of failure and redemption, with sinners becoming saints and saints dropping in and out of the calendar like blue-plate specials; beleaguered ones have to put on a good face in public and never lose it.

The New Yorker

She says she tries to put on a good face for her daughters, saying that her hope will not die.

The New York Times

Part ritual, part tradition, the operating principle every four years is to put on a good face and welcome the new administration with respect and excruciating good manners.

The Washington Post

It wasn't clear and given the way people like to put on a good face on here, it might not be for some time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Now he is weak, and so he is trying to put on a good face to the world, but if he becomes strong again he will do the same.

The New Yorker

They might put on a good face publicly and show a stiff upper lip, but each time the president embarrasses them they become marginally more likely to turn on him down the road during his darkest hours.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The act of putting on a good face may draw on elements of both.

The New York Times - Health

Even nonpreppies know the value of putting on a good face.

The New York Times - Style

Urban gardening shares with suburban gardening the idea of putting on a good face, especially to help increase property value.

The New York Times

"I hear they're putting on a good face, but they're making no significant progress," said Mark Gordon, the producer of "Saving Private Ryan" and "The Patriot".

The New York Times

Maybe the president is just putting on a good face to keep up American morale, the way Herbert Hoover did after the crash of '29, when he continued to dress in a tuxedo for dinner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put on a good face" when you want to describe someone's conscious effort to display optimism or composure, especially when they are experiencing hardship or trying to conceal negative emotions.

Common error

Avoid using "put on a good face" when the situation involves genuine happiness or success. The phrase implies an underlying struggle or effort to mask true feelings, not simply expressing joy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put on a good face" functions as an idiomatic expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the act of presenting a positive or hopeful appearance, often concealing underlying negative emotions or difficult circumstances. This aligns with numerous examples found across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put on a good face" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe the act of displaying a positive demeanor, often when concealing negative emotions or difficult circumstances. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples from reliable sources confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in news, media, and general contexts. While it's a valuable phrase for expressing resilience and composure, it's essential to use it appropriately, recognizing the underlying effort to mask true feelings. Alternatives like "maintain appearances" or "keep a stiff upper lip" offer similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act like everything is okay

Directly refers to behaving as if there are no problems, regardless of inner feelings.

maintain appearances

Emphasizes the effort to keep up a certain image, focusing on the outward presentation.

keep up appearances

Similar to "maintain appearances", highlighting the ongoing effort to present a positive image despite underlying issues.

put up a front

Focuses on creating a deceptive or misleading outward appearance.

keep a stiff upper lip

Highlights emotional restraint and stoicism in the face of adversity.

brave it out

Stresses the act of facing a difficult situation with courage, often implying hidden fear or distress.

grin and bear it

Suggests enduring hardship or unpleasantness with forced cheerfulness.

make the best of it

Highlights adapting to a negative situation and trying to find positive aspects.

paint a rosy picture

Implies deliberately creating an unrealistically positive impression of a situation.

keep your chin up

Focuses on maintaining hope and optimism during challenging times.

FAQs

What does "put on a good face" mean?

It means to display a positive or cheerful attitude, even when one is feeling sad, disappointed, or facing difficulties. It's about presenting a composed and optimistic image to others.

How can I use "put on a good face" in a sentence?

Example: "Despite the company's financial troubles, the CEO tried to "put on a good face" during the investor meeting."

What are some phrases similar to "put on a good face"?

Alternatives include "maintain appearances", "keep up appearances", or "put up a front", all suggesting the act of concealing true feelings.

Is it always a good idea to "put on a good face"?

While it can be helpful in certain situations to project confidence and positivity, it's also important to acknowledge and address your true emotions. Suppressing feelings entirely can be detrimental in the long run.