How do you say “Keep a stiff upper lip” in Spanish?
The closest natural Spanish equivalent is mantener la compostura, which literally means “to maintain one’s composure”. English speakers use keep a stiff upper lip to mean to remain outwardly calm and brave when things are difficult. A clear Spanish match for controlling your outward reaction. It is more neutral than the English lip image. Register: neutral. Usage frequency: common.
Closest natural Spanish
mantener la compostura
/manteˈneɾ la komposˈtuɾa/
- Literal meaning
- “to maintain one’s composure”
- Register
- neutral
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Near-exact equivalent
91 out of 100
What a native Spanish speaker would actually say
“Mantener la compostura” can describe remaining composed despite disappointment, anger or shock. It says little about what the person feels inside.
The phrase does not carry the same old-fashioned British association. It is useful when the behaviour matters more than that cultural tone.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning4 out of 5
- Tone4 out of 5
- Context5 out of 5
- Literal similarity1 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
In context
English
She kept a stiff upper lip when the competition results were announced.
Spanish
Mantuvo la compostura cuando anunciaron los resultados del concurso.
English
He tried to keep a stiff upper lip, but his voice shook as he said goodbye.
Spanish
Intentó mantener la compostura, pero le tembló la voz al despedirse.
Related expressions
Last updated 2026-11-13