Choose the correct idiom to fill in the blank:-
Despite losing the match, he told himself to ____ and try again next time.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → keep a stiff upper lip
To keep a stiff upper lip means to stay brave and calm in a difficult or disappointing situation, without showing one's feelings. After losing the match, he tells himself not to break down but to stay composed and try again.
Example: Though she was hurt by the result, she kept a stiff upper lip and congratulated the winner.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: break the ice — Incorrect. To break the ice is to say or do something that makes people feel relaxed when they first meet; it has nothing to do with facing a defeat.
Example: The teacher told a joke to break the ice on the first day.
Option 3: turn a blind eye — Incorrect. To turn a blind eye is to pretend not to notice something wrong. Ignoring a wrong does not help someone bear a loss and try again.
Example: The guard turned a blind eye to the boys climbing the wall.
Option 4: spill the beans — Incorrect. To spill the beans is to reveal a secret; there is no secret in the sentence.
Example: My brother spilled the beans about the surprise party.