Pronunciation: [tˈʊk ðə t͡ʃˈɪn] (IPA) 
The phrase "took the chin" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /tʊk ðə tʃɪn/. "Took" is spelled with the "oo" sound as in "book" and "took", represented by the IPA symbol tʊk. "The" is pronounced with the "th" sound as in "thumb", written as ðə. "Chin" is pronounced with a "ch" sound as in "church", represented by the IPA symbol tʃɪn. This phrase means to take a hit or suffer a defeat.
Took the chin is an idiomatic expression primarily used in sports circles, especially combat sports like boxing, mixed martial arts, or wrestling. It is an action that occurs when a competitor willingly absorbs or endures a powerful blow to the chin without getting knocked down or showing significant signs of being hurt.
In essence, taking the chin refers to an athlete's ability to withstand a forceful punch or strike directly to the chin area and remain standing and composed. It denotes a display of resilience, courage, and toughness in the face of an opponent's powerful attack.
The term originates from the visual imagery of a participant literally taking the impact on their chin and withstanding it, demonstrating their mental fortitude and physical strength. It highlights an individual's ability to absorb punishment, maintain composure, and continue fighting.
Taking the chin can be seen as a strategic move aimed at depriving the opponent of the satisfaction of witnessing their adversary falter or crumble under their attack. By refusing to display any visible signs of pain or weakness, a competitor taking the chin can mentally demoralize their opponent, potentially gaining the upper hand in the contest.
Overall, the expression "took the chin" encapsulates an athlete's resilience and toughness in withstanding a powerful blow to the chin without getting knocked down or visibly affected, often influencing the dynamics of a combat sport competition.
