# take one's courage in both hands

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-ones-courage-in-both-hands
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- She took her courage in both hands and finally asked for a raise.
- You take your courage in both hands and jump into the cold water.
- He took his courage in both hands before walking onto the stage to give his first public speech.
- I took my courage in both hands and told my best friend that I disagreed with their decision to quit.
- After weeks of silence, the neighbors took their courage in both hands and knocked on the door to complain about the noise.
- Facing the daunting prospect of the interview, she took her courage in both hands and stepped into the room to confront her future.

## Origin

The expression is a calque of the French *prendre son courage à deux mains*. It entered the English lexicon as a direct translation of the French phrase, maintaining the imagery of a physical exertion required to gather one's resolve. Beyond this comparative linguistic link, the record offers no specific date of introduction or individual attribution.

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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.