# gird up one's loins

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/gird-up-ones-loins
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To prepare oneself for something demanding.

## Examples

- You must gird up your loins for the big exam tomorrow.
- She took a deep breath to gird up her loins before walking into the difficult meeting with her boss.
- As the storm clouds gathered on the horizon, the villagers began to gird up their loins for the long and arduous winter ahead.

## Origin

Likely a Hebraism, often used in the King James Bible (e.g., 2 Kings 4:29). Literally referred to the need to strap a belt around one's waist, i.e. when getting up, in order to avoid the cloak falling off; or otherwise before battle, to free the legs for running.

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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.