with (one's) head held high

with (one's) head held high

Displaying pride and confidence, often (but not always) after something has gone wrong. Even though I knew I blew the presentation, I walked out of the conference room with my head held high… and then cried in my car. After hearing that he had been named to the all-star team, Paul walked through the halls with his head held high.See also: head, held, high