Roll with the Punches

Meaning

What does Roll with the Punches mean?

Roll with the punches is a slang expression used figuratively for bringing the best out of adverse situations.

In boxing terms, it refers to the ability of a boxer to stand their ground despite the hard blows received.

When raising a little girl you learn to adapt and roll with the punches.

Origin

What's the origin of Roll with the Punches?

While the exact origin of the phrase is not known, “roll with the punches” would first show up related to boxing in the early 20th century.

One of the earliest examples of “roll with the punches” can be found in a 1903 issue of The Boston Daily Globe in the context of a box match’s summary.

Spread & Usage

How did Roll with the Punches spread?

The phrase would not become widely used in boxing up until the middle of the 20th century, specifically until the 1940’s.

Following the 50’s, however, the expression became more and more viral, starting to see figurative use for everyday situations.

“Roll with the punches” was first defined on Urban Dictionary in 2004.

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