keep one’s head—retain self-control; remain sensible and practical:
- You can depend on him to keep his head no matter what happens.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase keep one’s head above water—make a living; manage to survive financially:
- In spite of all the reverses, he still manages to keep his head above water.
keep one’s head up—(also: hold one’s head up) stay proud; not feel ashamed of oneself:
- I can keep my head up anywhere, knowing that I achieved something.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase keep one’s chin up—be courageous and determined under difficult circumstances:
- Tell Ken to keep his chin up and be as tough as he made out he was when he comes up against trouble.