expression
the samurai glories in honourable poverty; keep a stiff upper lip
Proverb meaning that a samurai, even when too poor to eat, pretends to have just eaten by using a toothpick. Used to describe maintaining dignity and pride in the face of hardship.
彼は失業中でも、武士は食わねど高楊枝とばかりに、いつもきちんとした身なりをしている。
Even though he's unemployed, he always dresses neatly, as if to say 'the samurai glories in honourable poverty'.
武士は食わねど高楊枝というが、彼女は貧しくても決して弱音を吐かない。
As the proverb goes, 'the samurai glories in honourable poverty'; she never complains despite her poverty.
負け惜しみ is being a sore loser or making excuses after losing, while 武士は食わねど高楊枝 is about maintaining dignity and pride even in hardship, not necessarily about winning or losing.
A traditional Japanese proverb. The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects the idealized bushido spirit of samurai maintaining pride and appearance despite poverty.