The phrase "grin and bear it" means to endure something unpleasant or difficult without complaining. Antonyms for this phrase would be to speak up and express discontentment, or to avoid or escape the situation altogether. synonyms for the phrase could include smiling and accepting, enduring or facing something with a brave face, or coping with something stoically. Antonyms for "grin and bear it" include being honest about feelings, refusing to put up with the situation, refusing to comply, standing up for oneself, and finding a way to change the situation rather than enduring it.