BBC Learning English

The English We Speak

30 October 2012

Keep your chin up!





(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 treatmentâ€Åš 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 butâ€Åš 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 1 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, Veraâ€Åš 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.





The English We Speak

© British Broadcasting Corporation 2012



Page 2 of 2

bbclearningenglish.com