put on a brave face
US /pʊt ɑn ə breɪv feɪs/
UK /pʊt ɑn ə breɪv feɪs/
1.
to pretend to be brave and not worried, sad, etc.
:
•
Despite the bad news, she managed to put on a brave face for her children.
•
He was clearly upset, but he tried to put on a brave face during the meeting.