Dutch courage

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Related to Dutch courage: Dutch uncle, Going Dutch

Dutch courage

n. Informal

Courage acquired from drinking liquor.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Dutch courage

1. (Brewing) false courage gained from drinking alcohol

2. (Brewing) alcoholic drink

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

Dutch′ cour′age

courage inspired by drink.

[1805–15]

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Noun

Dutch courage - courage resulting from intoxication

braveness, bravery, courage, courageousness - a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

Translations

Dutch courage

n to give o.s. Dutch courage → farsi coraggio con un bicchierino

Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995

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References in classic literature ?

A pickax and spade were lying in the bottom of the boat, with a dark lantern, and a stone bottle of good Dutch courage,[1] in which honest Sam no doubt put even more faith than Dr.

[1] Dutch courage is courage that results from indulgence in Dutch gin or Hollands; here applied to the gin itself.

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But Kerry, 38, needed some Dutch courage for the first meet and mingle on the new series of the E4 dating show.

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Over in Kalingrad, England World Cup WAGs, led again by striker Jamie Vardy's wife Rebekah, enjoyed a bit of Dutch courage before the Belgium clash.

Come on England: Fans watch Three Lions take on Belgium in pubs, football clubs and even on the beach; The game may not be riveting on the pitch - but everything is better with a lager in your hand

After that you'll get the opportunity to master some circus skills and then on to singing where you will be able to belt out all the hits from the film...if you do need a little extra Dutch courage the bar will be open throughout.

The Greatest Showman workshop for adults sells out but another one has been confirmed; Demand for tickets for GLAS Academy's Greatest Showman workshop was so huge that another session has already been added

And the 29-year-old says he needed a little Dutch courage with a "sherry or two" when he met his date.

Gay dating's as easy as 1, 2, 3; Mr Gay Joni bags a man on TV - but did it go well?

"There was a bit of a rush last night with people signing up, as people had a bit of Dutch courage and were encouraged by their friends to join in." He added: "There is quite a lot of bravado with people encouraging each other to go in - but when they do, they realise how cold the water is.

Swimmers brave the seas for charity

"I was a very shy 19 year-old and, after some dutch courage across at the Marsh House, I asked her to dance.

Memories of courtship and a quirky way to win the girl back in the day

First into the fray is Danny from Essex who, after years of partying, feels it's time he found a woman to settle down with - unfortunately, his efforts to fortify himself with Dutch courage could backfire when he meets straight-talking hairdresser Lauren.

TV CHOICE

The bitter feud from their days in Holland continues and United will need to show more Dutch courage than in their previous seven meetings after failing to record a clean sheet in any.