English Reference
Idiom idiom

grow some balls


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

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

You need to grow some balls and tell him the truth.

CONTEXTUAL

He was afraid to ask for a raise, but his friend told him it was time to grow some balls and talk to his boss.

COMPLEX

After years of silent resentment, she finally decided to grow some balls and confront the board of directors about their unethical business practices.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  2. 02

    ball hog

    In team sports, a player who keeps the ball to themselves, rather than passing it.

  3. 03

    ball of fire

    A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.

  4. 04

    ball of malt

    A glass of whiskey.

  5. 05

    balls of steel

    Courage, audacity.

  6. 06

    balls to the wall

    With maximum effort or commitment.

  7. 07

    bust one's balls

    To work very hard; to put in a lot of effort.

  8. 08

    carry the ball

    To lead in terms of responsibility, initiative, or progress.

Last updated August 10, 2026