She tried to 'put on/up a brave face/front' [=she tried to appear brave or calm] despite the pain of the injury.
The company was slow to enter the 'brave new world' of computer technology.
I had to 'brave the elements' [=go out in bad weather] to get to work.
(..) You will promise, won't you? Yes. Is that all, Ashley? All except, goodbye. Oh, Ashley, I can't let you go. -You must be brave-- -No.... You must. How else can I bear going? Oh, Scarlett, you are so fine and strong and beautiful. (..)1939 Gone with the Wind
(..) Yes, I thought it was about time I got you out of that fake mourning. Next trip I'll bring you some green silk for a frock to match it. Oh, Rhett. It's my duty to our brave boys at the front to keep our girls at home looking pretty. Oh, it's so long since I've had anything new. How do I look? (..)1939 Gone with the Wind