hold one's head high

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hold one's head high (third-person singular simple present holds one's head high, present participle holding one's head high, simple past and past participle held one's head high)

1. (idiomatic) To act with pride; to be proud in a positive way.
   • 1978, Dino Fekaris, Freddie Perren (lyrics and music), “I Will Survive”, in Love Tracks, performed by Gloria Gaynor:

     And I spent oh so many nights just feeling sorry for myself / I used to cry, but now I hold my head up high

   • 2008, “Houston”, in Accelerate, performed by R.E.M.:

     So a man's put to task and challenges / I was taught to hold my head high / Collect what is mine / Make the best of what today has.

   • 2013 October 31, Rowena Mason, quoting David Steel, “Lord Steel criticises culture of spin and tweeting in modern politics”, in The Guardian‎, →ISSN:

     How on earth are we supposed to hold our heads high as the 'mother of parliaments' when we allow to continue the practice of almost openly buying a seat in parliament?

   • 2023 October 28, Leighton Koopman, “YES!!! The Springboks beat the All Blacks to win another Rugby World Cup title”, in Independent Online‎:

     It was a clash for the ages as the battling All Blacks were full value for their effort. They can hold their heads high after it looked like South Africa was in control halfway through the match.

• with one's head held high