hold head up

hold (one's) head up

To display confidence and pride, especially with one's body language, as a way of showing that one is not ashamed of something. Such behavior often includes literally holding one's head up instead of letting it hang down. I know you're disappointed to have lost, but you should hold your head up—you ran an excellent race.See also: head, hold, up

hold one's head up

Fig. to be confident of the respect of other people; to hold up one's head with pride rather than bowing one's head. (A bowed head would indicate a lack of confidence.) I am so embarrassed. I will never be able to hold my head up again. Now I can hold up my head with pride.See also: head, hold, up