BBC Learning English
The English We Speak
30 October 2012
Keep your chin up!

The English We Speak

© British Broadcasting Corporation 2012

Page 1 of 2

bbclearningenglish.com

(Rob visits Vera in hospital)

Rob:

So, how are you feeling, Vera?

Vera:

Thank you for visiting me here in hospital, Rob. I feel awful! My leg is

broken, my chin is bruised and my pride is hurt! I had a silly fall while I

was skiing over the weekend.

Rob:

Oh, bad luck, really. But your leg will heal and your bruises will disappear

soon, Vera. There will be no sign of them in a few weeks' time.

Vera:

Yes, I know Rob. But now I'm in pain! I'm in pain!

Rob: But you'll get better, Vera. Just keep your chin up!

Vera:

Keep my chin up?! (Talking to herself) Keep my chin up might be a new

form of treatment… Rob has always been very knowledgeable of these

alternative medicines and treatments. Perhaps it is good for circulation. (To

him) Is it good for circulation, Rob?

Rob:

No Vera, it doesn't help your circulation! Keep your chin up but… well, what

are you doing? That's not what I mean!

Vera:

It's not what you mean?! My chin is up now. Isn't it high enough? Will it

help my bruises disappear, Rob?

Rob:

Not really. But it will make you feel better, Vera.

Vera:

How come, Rob?

Rob:

In English, when we tell someone to keep their chin up, we are telling them

to stay positive in a tough situation. Let's listen to some examples.

Examples

"When young people say it is difficult to earn a living nowadays, I tell them to work hard,

keep their chin up and they will go places."

"I've just had an argument with my husband. My daughter said she wants to leave school

and my cat ran away. I feel like crying. Sometimes it is hard to keep my chin up."

Vera:

Ah, I've got it – when you want to tell someone to remain positive in a

tough situation, you say "keep your chin up!" That's a relief, Rob. My chin

was feeling even more painful than it was before.

The English We Speak

© British Broadcasting Corporation 2012

Page 2 of 2

bbclearningenglish.com

Rob:

Well, you can relax now. And next time you go to some slope for some

skiing make sure you stay on the nursery slopes.

Vera:

Nursery?! But that's where children do their skiing! That's for kids!

Rob:

No, not just for kids, Vera… for beginners too! Anyway, don't be angry!

Keep your chin up! With a lot of training, one day you will be a great skier.

Vera:

Yes, maybe you are right. If I keep my chin up and train a lot, one day I

will be a great skier!

Rob:

Good. Well, bye for now.

Vera:

Bye.