hold (one's) head up
(redirected from hold someone's head up)hold (one's) head up
To display confidence and pride, especially with one's body language, as a way of showing that one is not ashamed of something. Such behavior often includes literally holding one's head up instead of letting it hang down. I know you're disappointed to have lost, but you should hold your head up—you ran an excellent race.
hold one's head up
Fig. to be confident of the respect of other people; to hold up one's head with pride rather than bowing one's head. (A bowed head would indicate a lack of confidence.) I am so embarrassed. I will never be able to hold my head up again. Now I can hold up my head with pride.