# nerves of steel

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/nerves-of-steel
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Great bravery, courage, or composure.

## Examples

- The pilot has nerves of steel.
- You need nerves of steel to perform surgery in such a high-pressure environment.
- Only a leader with nerves of steel could remain calm while the entire project collapsed around them.

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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.