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grin and bear it
/ɡrɪn ænd bɛər ɪt/◆idiom
to endure a difficult situation with patience and a positive attitude
Even though the job was stressful, she decided to grin and bear it until she found something better.
She endured the stress with patience and a positive attitude while looking for a better job.
informal
To tolerate or endure a difficult, unpleasant, or painful situation with patience and a positive attitude, often by smiling or appearing cheerful despite the discomfort.
The long flight was uncomfortable, but I just grinned and bore it.
I endured the uncomfortable flight with patience and a positive attitude.
He had to grin and bear the criticism from his boss without complaining.
He tolerated the criticism with patience and a positive attitude.
This phrase is often used when someone is dealing with minor inconveniences or discomforts rather than severe hardships.
Collocations
grin and bear itto endure with patience and a positive attitude
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Context
Use this phrase when describing minor inconveniences or discomforts, not severe hardships.
Gold Rule
Positive Attitude
The phrase emphasizes enduring with a positive attitude, often by smiling or appearing cheerful.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from the idea of maintaining a cheerful expression (grinning) while enduring discomfort or hardship (bearing it). It has been in use since at least the 19th century.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to describe enduring minor inconveniences or discomforts with patience and a positive attitude. It is not typically used for severe or life-altering hardships.
Word Breakdown
grin
to smile broadly
rootand
conjunction connecting two actions
rootbear
to endure or tolerate
rootit
the difficult situation being endured
rootEnglish Dictionary