# Dutch courage

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dutch-courage
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The courage or bravado induced by alcohol.

## Examples

- He drank a beer for some Dutch courage before his speech.
- She felt too nervous to ask for a raise, so she relied on a glass of wine for a bit of Dutch courage.
- The young soldier sought Dutch courage in a flask of whiskey before facing the daunting task ahead.

## Origin

The term originated as an ethnic slur arising from a period of intense political rivalry between England and the Netherlands. The phrase reflects the geopolitical tensions of the era, though the source records no specific dates for its first appearance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.