take one’s courage in both hands: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘take one's courage in both hands’ mean?
The idiom "take one's courage in both hands" means to summon up one's bravery and face a challenging or intimidating situation directly and confidently.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "with both hands" means to enthusiastically embrace or eagerly accept something. It suggests wholehearted participation or involvement in a particular activity or opportunity.
The idiom "tempt fate" means to take unnecessary risks or challenge the possibility of something bad happening.
"Take on the chin" means to bravely and stoically accept a difficult or unpleasant situation, especially when facing criticism, defeat, or adversity.
The idiom "take on faith" means to believe or accept something without evidence or proof.
It implies trusting someone or something blindly, without questioning or doubting.
It often applies to beliefs, ideas, or statements that are not easily verifiable.
The idiom "take one's time" means to proceed at a relaxed and unhurried pace without feeling rushed or pressured.
"Take one's time" is a widely used idiom in the English language. It means to proceed at your own pace without feeling rushed or pressured. This idiom suggests a deliberate and unhurried approach to completing tasks or reaching goals.
The idiom "take one's pick" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It means to choose freely from a selection of options or opportunities.
This idiom comes from the verb "pick," which means to select or choose. When someone is told to "take their pick," it means they can choose whichever option they prefer.
The idiom "take one's chance" means to seize or accept an opportunity or risk without knowing the outcome. It implies a willingness to try despite the uncertainty or potential for failure.
The idiom "take one day at a time" means to focus on the present moment and not worry about the future or past. It emphasizes living in the present and taking things as they come, rather than getting overwhelmed by the big picture.
The idiom "take on" means to assume responsibility or an undertaking. It can also mean to confront or challenge someone or something.
The idiom "take no prisoners" means to be relentless or uncompromising, showing no mercy or making no exceptions, and stopping at nothing to achieve a goal or defeat an opponent.
Harnessing Valor
The idiom "take one's courage in both hands" is a metaphorical expression used to convey the idea of facing fear and overcoming hesitation. It encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones and confront their fears head-on.
The origins of this idiom can be traced back to ancient texts and literature, where similar phrases were used to depict acts of bravery and courage. In English, the idiom first appeared in the late 19th century and has been a part of the language for over a century.
When someone takes their courage in both hands, it means they consciously decide to gather all their bravery and confront a challenging situation directly. This requires determination and a willingness to face the potential risks or consequences associated with the action.
The idiom can be applied in various contexts, such as facing personal fears, taking a leap of faith in a professional setting, or finding the strength to confront difficult circumstances. It serves as both a personal mantra and a source of encouragement for others.
One interesting aspect of this idiom is that it emphasizes personal agency and responsibility. By highlighting the action of taking one's courage, it suggests that courage is not something that happens passively, but rather something actively chosen.
This idiom is related to the phrase "with both hands". When someone takes their courage in both hands, they embrace the opportunity or challenge wholeheartedly. They seize it eagerly and make the most of the situation. The phrase emphasizes the idea of fully committing oneself to an endeavor and giving it their all.
Another related idiom is "take matters into one's own hands". Similar to taking courage in both hands, this idiom conveys the idea of assuming control and responsibility. It means not waiting for someone else to solve a problem or take action, but rather taking the initiative and tackling the issue directly.
The idiom "take one's chance" is also connected to "taking one's courage in both hands". It refers to seizing an opportunity, even if it involves some risks or uncertainties. When someone takes their courage in both hands, they are also taking their chance, knowing that there may be potential challenges or obstacles along the way.
Overall, the idiom "take one's courage in both hands" symbolizes bravery, determination, and the willingness to confront challenges head-on. It encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zones and face their fears, highlighting the importance of personal agency and responsibility. We often find ourselves in situations where we need to gather our courage and take that decisive step forward, and this idiom captures the essence of that moment.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "take one's courage in both hands" can be used in a sentence:
- She took her courage in both hands and confronted her fear of public speaking.
- Despite being scared, he took his courage in both hands and jumped off the diving board.
- After much hesitation, Jane finally decided to take her courage in both hands and ask her boss for a raise.
The idiom "take one's courage in both hands" is used to describe someone who gathers their courage and overcomes their fear or hesitation to face a difficult or challenging situation.
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