ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take one's courage in both hands

idiom
Meaning

To summon up one's courage in readiness for a difficult or dangerous action.


Origin

disputed origin

Compare French prendre son courage à deux mains.

Examples
SIMPLE

She took her courage in both hands and finally asked for a raise.

CONTEXTUAL

He took his courage in both hands before walking onto the stage to give his first public speech.

COMPLEX

Facing the daunting prospect of the interview, she took her courage in both hands and stepped into the room to confront her future.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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