# have a pair

idiom

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

## Meaning

To be manly, brave.

## Examples

- He needs to have a pair and tell the truth.
- If you want to lead this team, you need to have a pair and make the hard decisions.
- The captain urged his soldiers to have a pair, reminding them that true courage is found only in the face of certain danger.

## Origin

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

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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.