Definition
硬着头皮 is a fixed verb-object phrase meaning 'to steel oneself' or 'to force oneself to do something unpleasant or embarrassing'. The literal image is 'hardening the scalp' — bracing for pain or discomfort. It's often used when you have no choice but to face an awkward situation. As a separable verb (离合词), you can insert aspect markers like 了 or 着 between 硬 and 头皮: 硬了头皮 (past), 硬着头皮 (ongoing).
v.o.
to brace oneself (to do something unpleasant or embarrassing)to force oneself to do something despite reluctance
Examples
- ，硬着头皮。Suīrán hěn jǐnzhāng, tā háishì yìng zhe tóu pí shàngtái fāyán le.Although very nervous, he still braced himself and went on stage to speak.
- ，。Tā yìng le tóupí, zǒu jìn le lǎobǎn de bàngōngshì.He steeled himself and walked into the boss's office.
- ，，硬着头皮。Wǒ bú huì yóuyǒng, dàn wèile jiù háizi, zhǐhǎo yìng zhe tóu pí tiào xiàqù.I can't swim, but to save the child, I had to force myself to jump in.
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