take it on the chin

Idioms and Phrases

Suffer adversity or defeat, as in Paul really took it on the chin today when he got fired for missing a deadline . This idiom alludes to taking a physical blow on the chin. [First half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

"In the face of hurricane shocks, agricultural production in southern states like Florida will take it on the chin," he said.

From Salon

"We just had to take it on the chin and get on with it."

From BBC

Instead, the jurist-turned-president would take it on the chin and do what he was told.

From Seattle Times

Leeds were the supporting cast of a remarkable encounter with the Saints in 2023, but as with all finals someone had to lose and it was Lois Forsell's side that took it on the chin.

From BBC

“The emergency department is taking it on the chin, literally and figuratively.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• accept
• go
• hold
• receive
• stand
• welcome