come up smiling

come up smiling

To emerge from an unpleasant or challenging situation with a positive outlook or demeanor. I'm just so impressed by Bonnie's resolve. She seems to come up smiling no matter what happens to her. Divorce is really hard. You're not going to come up smiling right away, and that's okay. I'm able to come up smiling when I lose as long as I know I tried my best.

See also: come, smile, up

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

come up smiling

recover from adversity and cheerfully face the future. informal

1989 Woman's Realm But despite her ordeal courageous Kelly has come up smiling and is now looking forward to a bright future.

See also: come, smile, up

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017