# grow a pair

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/grow-a-pair
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be brave; to show some courage, especially in a situation in which one has so far failed to do so.

## Examples

- You need to grow a pair and tell him the truth.
- He was afraid to ask for a raise, but his friend told him it was time to grow a pair.
- Despite his long history of hesitation, he finally decided to grow a pair and confront the board about their unfair policies.

## Origin

Derived as a clipping of the more anatomical injunction to grow a pair of balls. The truncated form preserves the imperative while omitting the specific nouns, relying on the listener to mentally supply the missing biological equipment.

---

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.