Phrase guide

take one's courage in both hands

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I know that disobeying your father is hard, but you must take your courage in both hands and follow the path that's right for you.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Compare French prendre son courage à deux mains.