Everyone faces tough days when quitting feels easier than trying again. Maybe it’s a student struggling through homework, a runner pushing past mile five, or a parent working late to make ends meet. In those moments, Americans often turn to sayings like “hang in there” or “keep your chin up.” These simple phrases carry a lot of heart. They remind us to stay strong, dig in our heels, and keep fighting even when life gets rough.
In the USA, people use idioms like “don’t throw in the towel” or “get back on the horse” to show steady courage. They’re part of everyday talk, from classrooms to locker rooms to dinner tables. These sayings don’t just sound nice, they help us power through, stay the course, and believe that better days are ahead if we just keep at it.
Idioms About Not Giving Up
1. Hang in there
Meaning: People say this when they want someone to stay strong and not give up, even when life feels hard. It’s a way to remind others that tough times don’t last forever and better days will come.
Example Sentences:
• Hang in there, the school year is almost over.
• I told my friend to hang in there during her math test.
• Dad said, “Hang in there, kiddo. Things will get better.”
Other ways to say: Keep going, stay strong
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase became famous in the 1970s after a poster showed a cat hanging from a tree branch with the words “Hang in there.” It quickly spread across the USA as a symbol of encouragement.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in both American and British English, though Americans use it more casually. Often used with friends, family, or students to encourage patience during hard times.
2. Keep your chin up
Meaning: This idiom tells someone to stay positive and confident, even when they feel down or defeated. It’s a gentle reminder to face challenges with courage and hope.
Example Sentences:
• Keep your chin up, you’ll get better at basketball.
• Mom told me to keep my chin up after I lost the game.
• The coach said, “Keep your chin up, team—we’ll get them next time.”
Other ways to say: Be positive, don’t feel down
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase likely began as military advice, telling soldiers to keep their heads up and look proud, not defeated.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American and British English; often said kindly to cheer someone up. It’s informal but respectful, often heard among friends or teachers encouraging students.
3. When the going gets tough, the tough get going
Meaning: This phrase means strong people don’t quit when life gets hard—they rise to the challenge. It shows that toughness comes out in tough times.
Example Sentences:
• She didn’t quit the race. When the going got tough, she got tougher.
• I remembered that saying when I had to finish my science project.
• Dad always says, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Other ways to say: Push through, be strong
Fun Fact/Origin: This saying became popular in the 1950s after an American football coach used it to inspire his players.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in the USA, especially in sports and motivation speeches. It’s a proud, determined phrase that shows American persistence.
4. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To accept a difficult or painful situation without complaining. It means facing something unpleasant bravely instead of avoiding it.
Example Sentences:
• I didn’t want to get a shot, but I bit the bullet.
• He bit the bullet and did his chores.
• “Just bite the bullet and finish your homework,” Mom said.
Other ways to say: Face it, tough it out
Fun Fact/Origin: Before anesthesia, soldiers would bite on bullets to deal with pain during surgery or injury.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Widely used in American English, also understood in British English. It’s a slightly formal phrase used in both serious and everyday situations.
5. Stick it out
Meaning: To keep going with something difficult or boring until it’s done. It means staying with the task, no matter how long or hard it feels.
Example Sentences:
• It was a long game, but we stuck it out.
• I stuck it out and finished my book report.
• My brother wanted to quit his summer job, but I told him to stick it out.
Other ways to say: Don’t quit, see it through
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of “sticking” to something—like glue that holds firm until the end.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English and often used in schools, work, or sports. It sounds casual and supportive, especially for younger audiences.
6. Tough it out
Meaning: To handle pain, stress, or hardship without giving up. It’s about showing strength and determination even when something feels uncomfortable.
Example Sentences:
• He toughed it out during football practice.
• I had a cold, but I toughed it out and went to school.
• She toughed it out through her first week at a new job.
Other ways to say: Be strong, push through
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom became common through sports and military slang, where “toughing it out” meant not quitting during harsh conditions.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very American in tone, used in casual or motivational talk. It shows mental toughness and is often heard in sports or work settings.
7. Never say die
Meaning: It means never stop hoping or fighting, even when the situation looks bad. It’s about having a brave, never-quit spirit.
Example Sentences:
• Our team was losing, but we never said die.
• I always remember to never say die during tests.
• Grandpa’s advice was, “Never say die, no matter what happens.”
Other ways to say: Keep trying, never quit
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase has been used in American sports and movies for decades. It became a symbol of hope and courage, especially in team sports.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English, though it can sound a bit old-fashioned today. Still used in movies, motivational quotes, and by older generations to inspire persistence.
8. Go the extra mile
Meaning: This idiom means doing more than what’s expected or required. It describes someone who gives extra effort, showing care and determination to do their best.
Example Sentences:
• She went the extra mile to help her friend study.
• My teacher said I went the extra mile on my project.
• He went the extra mile to make sure his work was perfect.
Other ways to say: Try harder, give more effort
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from ancient Roman times when soldiers were ordered to carry a load for one mile. If they went beyond that, it meant they were showing loyalty and effort.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in both American and British English, but more popular in the USA. Often used at school, work, or in sports to praise someone who puts in extra effort.
9. Burning the midnight oil
Meaning: This means staying up late to work or study, often to finish something important. It shows dedication, effort, and determination to meet a goal.
Example Sentences:
• I burned the midnight oil studying for the test.
• He burned the midnight oil to finish his drawing.
• They were burning the midnight oil to meet the project deadline.
Other ways to say: Stay up late working, work hard
Fun Fact/Origin: Before electric lights, people used oil lamps for light at night. Working by lamplight meant staying up late, which gave rise to this phrase.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American and British English. Americans use it casually for studying or working late, while in British English, it can sound a bit old-fashioned.
10. Don’t throw in the towel
Meaning: This phrase means don’t give up or quit, even when things get difficult. It’s about staying determined and keeping hope alive until the end.
Example Sentences:
• I wanted to stop, but I didn’t throw in the towel.
• She didn’t throw in the towel even when it got tough.
• The coach told the team not to throw in the towel after the first loss.
Other ways to say: Keep going, don’t give up
Fun Fact/Origin: The idiom comes from boxing. When a fighter’s trainer threw a towel into the ring, it meant the fighter was giving up the match.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English and well known in sports. It’s also used in everyday speech to tell someone to keep trying.
11. Pick yourself up
Meaning: This idiom means to recover from a setback or mistake and try again. It’s about not letting failure stop you but using it to grow stronger.
Example Sentences:
• He picked himself up after falling off his bike.
• I didn’t pass the quiz, but I picked myself up and studied harder.
• After losing the game, the players picked themselves up and practiced more.
Other ways to say: Try again, don’t stay down
Fun Fact/Origin: It comes from sports and physical training, where falling meant you had to literally get up and keep going.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English. Used in both casual and motivational talk to encourage perseverance and self-improvement.
12. Get back on the horse
Meaning: This means trying again after failure or disappointment. It shows courage and persistence after something goes wrong.
Example Sentences:
• I fell in the race, but I got back on the horse.
• She failed once but got back on the horse.
• After losing his job, he got back on the horse and found a new one.
Other ways to say: Try again, start over
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from horseback riding—if a rider fell off, they were encouraged to get back on the horse right away to overcome fear.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English and also understood in British English. Often used in sports, school, and life lessons about persistence.
13. Keep plugging away
Meaning: This idiom means to keep working slowly and steadily until something is done. It’s about not rushing, but continuing to move forward with effort and patience.
Example Sentences:
• I kept plugging away at my homework until it was done.
• He plugged away at his painting every day.
• She kept plugging away at learning piano until she improved.
Other ways to say: Keep going, continue working
Fun Fact/Origin: The word “plugging” came from early machinery that made slow, steady sounds when working. It later became a way to describe steady human effort.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English and casual in tone. It’s often used to describe quiet hard work rather than dramatic effort.
14. Roll with the punches
Meaning: This means to stay calm and flexible when facing problems or challenges. It’s about adapting to tough situations instead of giving up.
Example Sentences:
• When things didn’t go well, he rolled with the punches.
• I learned to roll with the punches during group work.
• She rolled with the punches after her travel plans changed.
Other ways to say: Adapt, stay strong
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from boxing, where a fighter “rolls” their body with each punch to reduce the impact.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very popular in American English. Used both in daily life and business to describe flexibility. In British English, it’s also understood but slightly less common.
15. Keep fighting
Meaning: This idiom means to stay strong and keep trying, even when things get hard. It shows courage, effort, and a will to never give up, no matter the challenge.
Example Sentences:
• She kept fighting, even after losing a round.
• I told my friend to keep fighting when he was sad.
• He kept fighting until he reached his goal.
Other ways to say: Stay strong, don’t stop trying
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase is common in sports, the military, and motivational speeches in the USA. It’s often used to describe bravery and persistence.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English. It’s often used in emotional or inspiring situations, such as sports, school, or life struggles. In British English, similar phrases like “keep going” are more common.
16. Hold your ground
Meaning: This means to stay firm in your beliefs or position, even when others try to push you back or change your mind. It’s about courage and standing up for yourself.
Example Sentences:
• I held my ground when they wanted me to quit.
• She held her ground in the debate.
• He held his ground when his friends teased him.
Other ways to say: Stand firm, stay steady
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from old battlefield language, where soldiers were told to hold their position and not retreat.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in both American and British English. Americans often use it in everyday talk to mean not giving in to pressure, while in British English it can sound slightly more formal.
17. Stand tall
Meaning: This means to be proud and confident, especially after a setback or failure. It’s about showing strength and self-respect even when things don’t go your way.
Example Sentences:
• I stood tall after I made a mistake in class.
• He stood tall after losing the game.
• She stood tall and faced the challenge bravely.
Other ways to say: Be proud, don’t shrink
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase reflects how standing straight with your head up shows confidence and dignity.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English and often used by teachers, coaches, and parents. It encourages confidence in both children and adults. British English speakers use it too, but it sounds slightly more poetic there.
18. Power through
Meaning: This means to keep working hard and finish something even when you’re tired or facing problems. It’s about pushing past discomfort and staying focused on your goal.
Example Sentences:
• I powered through my cold and finished my homework.
• She powered through the last mile of the race.
• They powered through the final exams together.
Other ways to say: Push through, finish strong
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is often used in American sports, fitness, and school settings to describe steady effort and endurance.
Usage/Cultural Notes: A very American expression that sounds energetic and motivating. It’s often used in workplaces, sports, and casual talk to describe determination.
19. Stay the course
Meaning: This idiom means to keep going on your path until the goal is reached. It’s about not changing plans or quitting, even when progress feels slow.
Example Sentences:
• I stayed the course and read the whole book.
• He stayed the course during a hard week.
• She stayed the course until the project was complete.
Other ways to say: Keep going, follow through
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from sailing, where a captain would “stay the course” to keep the ship on the correct route through rough seas.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English and also heard in business or motivational speech. It’s slightly more formal than “keep going.” In British English, it’s understood but used less often in daily talk.
20. Keep at it
Meaning: This means to keep trying and not stop until you finish something. It shows patience, steady work, and the belief that effort will pay off.
Example Sentences:
• I kept at it until I solved the puzzle.
• She kept at it and finished her model.
• The team kept at it and finally won.
Other ways to say: Don’t stop, try again
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase has been used in American classrooms and sports teams for decades as a way to cheer on persistence and effort.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very popular in American English and sounds casual and friendly. Teachers, parents, and coaches use it often. In British English, “keep going” or “stick at it” are similar expressions.
21. Dig in your heels
Meaning: This means to refuse to quit or give up, even when facing pressure or difficulty. It shows strength, determination, and firm belief in what you’re doing.
Example Sentences:
• I dug in my heels and didn’t quit the team.
• He dug in his heels during the project.
• She dug in her heels and stood by her decision.
Other ways to say: Stand firm, be stubborn (in a good way)
Fun Fact/Origin: The image comes from someone planting their feet firmly in the ground to avoid being moved, like an animal or soldier standing their ground.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in both American and British English. In the USA, it often has a positive meaning of determination. In British English, it can sometimes sound a bit stubborn, depending on the situation.
22. Give it your all
Meaning: This idiom means to put in your maximum effort and not hold anything back. It’s about trying your hardest, no matter how difficult the task may be.
Example Sentences:
• I gave it my all in the spelling bee.
• He gave it his all during tryouts.
• We gave it our all and finished the project together.
Other ways to say: Try your best, do everything you can
Fun Fact/Origin: Commonly heard from coaches, teachers, and parents in the USA to motivate students or athletes to perform their best.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Popular in American English, especially in sports, school, and work. It’s a positive, encouraging phrase. In British English, people might say “give it your best shot” instead.
23. Hold on
Meaning: This means to stay strong and patient while going through a hard time. It also can mean to literally or emotionally not let go when things feel difficult.
Example Sentences:
• Just hold on, things will get better.
• I held on during the long hike.
• She told her son to hold on and not lose hope.
Other ways to say: Don’t give up, stay patient
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the act of gripping something tightly and refusing to let go, symbolizing persistence and endurance.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American and British English. It can be used emotionally (“Hold on, you’ll get through this”) or physically (“Hold on to the railing”). It’s warm and supportive in tone.
24. Keep your head above water
Meaning: This idiom means to manage during difficult times, even if just barely. It describes someone trying to handle stress or work without giving up.
Example Sentences:
• I kept my head above water during finals week.
• He’s just trying to keep his head above water with work.
• We managed to keep our heads above water after the busy season.
Other ways to say: Stay afloat, survive
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from swimming, where keeping your head above water means not sinking or drowning. It later became a way to describe surviving tough times.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English and understood in British English too. Often used when talking about work, money, or stress. It sounds natural in both formal and casual talk.
25. Stick to your guns
Meaning: This means to stay firm in your beliefs or decisions, even when others disagree. It shows confidence, strength, and independence.
Example Sentences:
• I stuck to my guns and kept my idea.
• She stuck to her guns during the argument.
• He stuck to his guns even when everyone doubted him.
Other ways to say: Stand firm, don’t change
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the battlefield, where soldiers were told to stay at their weapons instead of retreating under pressure.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in both American and British English. In American English, it often means standing up for your beliefs confidently. In British English, it can also suggest being a bit stubborn, depending on tone.
26. Push through
Meaning: This means to keep moving forward and finish something even when it’s difficult or tiring. It’s about mental and physical strength to overcome obstacles.
Example Sentences:
• He pushed through the pain and finished the race.
• I pushed through my nerves to give the speech.
• They pushed through the long week of exams.
Other ways to say: Keep going, move forward
Fun Fact/Origin: Widely used in American sports, fitness, and motivational settings to inspire effort and perseverance.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English, especially among students, athletes, and workers. In British English, “push on” has a similar meaning. It’s a modern, action-filled expression.
27. Stay strong
Meaning: This idiom means to stay brave, hopeful, and calm during tough times. It’s often said to someone who is struggling but trying to keep going.
Example Sentences:
• Stay strong—we’re almost there.
• I told my friend to stay strong during her move.
• He stayed strong even when things fell apart.
Other ways to say: Be brave, hold on
Fun Fact/Origin: Commonly used in the USA on greeting cards, posters, and speeches to show care and encouragement.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Extremely popular in American English, especially during emotional times like illness, loss, or stress. It’s also used in British English but feels slightly more emotional or poetic there.
28. Keep your eye on the prize
Meaning: This idiom means to stay focused on your goal and not get distracted by small setbacks. It reminds people to concentrate on what truly matters until they succeed.
Example Sentences:
• I kept my eye on the prize and studied hard.
• She kept her eye on the prize during training.
• They kept their eyes on the prize until they won the championship.
Other ways to say: Stay focused, don’t get distracted
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from contests or races where the prize is the main goal everyone works toward. It became popular in American culture through motivational talks and songs.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English, especially in schools, workplaces, and sports. In British English, people may say “keep your eyes on the goal” with a similar meaning.
29. Don’t back down
Meaning: This means to stand firm and refuse to quit or be scared, even when others disagree or things get tough. It shows strength and courage in facing challenges.
Example Sentences:
• He didn’t back down when others disagreed.
• I didn’t back down from the challenge.
• She didn’t back down even when the odds were against her.
Other ways to say: Stand tall, keep going
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase became popular in American sports and speeches that encourage bravery and determination. It’s often used in competitive or motivational settings.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Widely used in American English in both serious and casual talk. In British English, “stand your ground” is more common, though both are understood.
30. Stay in the game
Meaning: This idiom means to keep trying and not quit, even when things are tough. It encourages people to remain focused and involved until the end.
Example Sentences:
• I stayed in the game even when it was tough.
• She stayed in the game until the end.
• The team stayed in the game and came back to win.
Other ways to say: Don’t quit, keep playing
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from American sports like baseball and football, where staying in the game means not giving up before the final play.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in the USA, especially in motivational talk and sports. It’s also used in workplaces or schools to mean continuing to participate actively.
31. Grin and bear it
Meaning: This means to smile and stay calm while enduring something unpleasant or difficult. It’s about showing patience and self-control even when things are uncomfortable.
Example Sentences:
• I had to grin and bear it through the long meeting.
• He grinned and bore it during his dentist visit.
• We grinned and bore it while waiting in the long line.
Other ways to say: Tolerate, put up with
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase has been used since the 1700s in English-speaking countries. “Bear it” means to carry or endure something, while “grin” means to smile through it.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in both American and British English. In the USA, it’s used casually to mean staying patient. In the UK, it can sound slightly old-fashioned but still common.
32. Pull through
Meaning: This idiom means to recover from a tough or dangerous situation, either physically or emotionally. It shows hope and strength after hardship.
Example Sentences:
• She pulled through after the flu.
• I pulled through and passed the hard test.
• He pulled through after a difficult surgery.
Other ways to say: Make it through, recover
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase became common in hospitals and recovery stories, describing someone surviving illness or crisis.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English and often used in health or life challenges. British speakers use it the same way, especially in emotional or supportive contexts.
33. Don’t give an inch
Meaning: This means not to give up any ground or control, even when someone pressures you. It shows strength, firmness, and determination.
Example Sentences:
• I didn’t give an inch during the debate.
• They didn’t give an inch in the game.
• She didn’t give an inch when asked to change her plan.
Other ways to say: Stand firm, hold steady
Fun Fact/Origin: The saying comes from battlefields, where soldiers were told not to move even an inch backward.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American and British English, often used in debates, sports, or business. In the USA, it carries a confident, proud tone. In the UK, it can sometimes sound more formal.
34. Fight tooth and nail
Meaning: This idiom means to fight very hard to win, survive, or protect something important. It describes fierce effort and determination.
Example Sentences:
• He fought tooth and nail to win the contest.
• I fought tooth and nail to keep my spot on the team.
• They fought tooth and nail for their rights.
Other ways to say: Fight hard, struggle fiercely
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase dates back to the 1500s and refers to animals using both teeth and claws (nails) to fight for survival.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English and also used widely in British English. It sounds a bit formal in the UK but remains a powerful, vivid expression everywhere.
35. Keep climbing
Meaning: This means to keep trying and working hard, even when progress feels slow or difficult. It encourages persistence and steady effort toward a big goal.
Example Sentences:
• She kept climbing toward her dream.
• I kept climbing through every level of the video game.
• They kept climbing even when the mountain got steep.
Other ways to say: Move forward, keep trying
Fun Fact/Origin: The idiom comes from hiking or mountain climbing, where each step upward takes effort and determination.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Popular in American English as a motivational phrase. It’s less common in British English but still understood. Often used to inspire students, athletes, and anyone chasing long-term goals.
36. Stay the fight
Meaning: This idiom means to keep fighting and not give up, even when the situation feels tough. It shows courage, endurance, and the will to finish what you started.
Example Sentences:
• I stayed in the fight and kept going till the end.
• She stayed the fight even after others left.
• They stayed the fight and finished the challenge together.
Other ways to say: Keep trying, stay in
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from boxing and military language, where “staying the fight” meant refusing to surrender or walk away.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English, especially in motivational or sports talk. It’s less common in British English but easily understood. It carries a strong, determined tone often linked to teamwork or personal strength.
37. March on
Meaning: This means to keep moving forward despite difficulties or losses. It shows persistence and strength to continue even when times are rough.
Example Sentences:
• We marched on through the rain.
• He marched on even after the team lost.
• The students marched on toward their goals.
Other ways to say: Move ahead, keep going
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from soldiers continuing to march forward during battle, showing courage and unity.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English and British English alike. It can sound poetic or inspiring, often used in speeches, songs, or writing to symbolize determination and steady progress.
38. Don’t lose heart
Meaning: This idiom means don’t lose hope or confidence in yourself. It’s used to remind people to believe in their ability to overcome challenges and keep trying.
Example Sentences:
• I told my sister not to lose heart after her fall.
• He didn’t lose heart even when it got really hard.
• The teacher said, “Don’t lose heart—you’re improving every day.”
Other ways to say: Keep hope, stay strong
Fun Fact/Origin: In old English, “heart” often stood for courage and spirit. So to “lose heart” meant to lose your bravery or will to continue.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in both American and British English. In the USA, it’s often used in emotional or encouraging talk. In British English, it has a slightly softer, more traditional sound but the same meaning of hope and persistence.
Quiz: Idioms About Not Giving Up
Instructions: Choose the best meaning for each idiom. Pick A, B, or C. These questions help you learn idioms Americans use to talk about staying strong and not quitting.
Question Key
1. What does “hang in there” mean?
A) Let go of something
B) Keep trying during hard times
C) Stay home from school
2. If someone says “bite the bullet,” what are they doing?
A) Getting candy
B) Complaining loudly
C) Doing something hard without complaining
3. What does “get back on the horse” mean?
A) Ride a horse again
B) Try again after failing
C) Go on vacation
4. If someone says “don’t throw in the towel,” what should you do?
A) Keep going and not give up
B) Clean the kitchen
C) Start something new
5. What does “burning the midnight oil” mean?
A) Lighting a candle
B) Staying up late to work hard
C) Turning off the lights early
6. What does it mean to “dig in your heels”?
A) Run fast
B) Quit early
C) Refuse to give up or change
7. If you “grin and bear it,” what are you doing?
A) Laughing loudly
B) Smiling and doing something hard
C) Watching a cartoon
8. What does “stay strong” mean?
A) Get more muscles
B) Don’t let tough times break you
C) Take a long nap
9. What does “keep your head above water” mean?
A) Swim in the pool
B) Keep going during hard times
C) Wear a hat
10. What does “keep your chin up” mean?
A) Tilt your head back
B) Stay proud and hopeful
C) Look at the ceiling
11. What does “go the extra mile” mean?
A) Drive a car
B) Try a little harder
C) Walk fast
12. What does it mean to “stay the course”?
A) Finish a game
B) Quit before the end
C) Keep going until you finish
13. What does “fight tooth and nail” mean?
A) Brush your teeth
B) Eat dinner
C) Fight really hard to win or keep something
Answer Key
- B – Keep trying during hard times
- C – Doing something hard without complaining
- B – Try again after failing
- A – Keep going and not give up
- B – Staying up late to work hard
- C – Refuse to give up or change
- B – Smiling and doing something hard
- B – Don’t let tough times break you
- B – Keep going during hard times
- B – Stay proud and hopeful
- B – Try a little harder
- C – Keep going until you finish
- C – Fight really hard to win or keep something
Wrapping Up
Life can be full of challenges, but these idioms remind us that quitting isn’t the only choice. From “hang in there” to “don’t lose heart,” each phrase carries a little bit of courage, patience, and hope. They help people put their strength into words, whether it’s a student working through a tough class or a friend facing a hard week. In the USA, sayings like these are part of everyday talk, offering support when life gets rough.
Learning idioms about not giving up can do more than build your English skills—it can also build your spirit. These phrases show how Americans use language to encourage one another and keep going. So next time life feels like an uphill climb, remember to stay strong, keep your eye on the prize, and never give up the fight.
