ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have a pair

idiom
Meaning

To be manly, brave.


Origin

disputed origin

Abbreviation of "have a pair of testicles," the masculine glands supporting generation and sexual potency.

Examples
SIMPLE

He needs to have a pair and tell the truth.

CONTEXTUAL

If you want to lead this team, you need to have a pair and make the hard decisions.

COMPLEX

The captain urged his soldiers to have a pair, reminding them that true courage is found only in the face of certain danger.

Anchors to
Related idioms6entries
  1. 01

    extra pair of hands

    The assistance of another person.

  2. 02

    get a pair

    Synonym of grow a pair.

  3. 03

    grow a pair

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

  4. 04

    pair of shoes

    A case or situation that is different from another.

  5. 05

    show a clean pair of heels

    To run away; to make an escape quickly.

  6. 06

    strap on a pair

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

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