put a brave front on

1. To appear or make oneself seem more courageous, resolute, or dauntless than one really feels. I could feel my knees shaking with terror before my commencement speech, but I put a brave front on and stepped out onto the stage to deliver it. This girl I'm dating has a big dog that I'm really scared of, but I'm trying to put a brave front on when it's around.

2. To react to or face difficulties, setbacks, or adversity with high spirits or good cheer. John's been putting a brave front on ever since his wife left him, but I can tell that he is devastated on the inside. I really didn't want to spend Thanksgiving with my wife's parents, but I put a brave front on and suffered through it with a smile.