Dutch courage Meaning in English
expression
ˈdətʃ/ /ˈkɝədʒ/, /ˈkɝɪdʒ
DUHCH KUR-ij
dˈʌtʃ/ /kˈʌɹɪdʒ
DUHTCH KUH-rij
Definition
Temporary bravery or confidence brought on by drinking alcohol.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, sometimes humorous or mildly negative; used mainly to describe someone who needs alcohol to face a challenge or feel brave. Usually not literal 'courage'—refers to the effect of alcohol lowering inhibitions.
Spanish: valor por alcohol - coraje de borrachoPortuguese (BR): coragem de bêbadoPortuguese (PT): coragem de bêbadoChinese (Simplified): 酒后壮胆Chinese (Traditional): 酒後壯膽Hindi: शराब का साहसArabic: شجاعة زائفة بسبب الكحولBengali: নেশার সাহস - মদের সাহসRussian: шальная храбрость (от алкоголя) - храбрость под градусомJapanese: 酒の勢い - アルコールで得た勇気Vietnamese: can đảm do rượu - dũng khí do men sayKorean: 술 용기 - 술기운에서 얻은 용기Turkish: içki cesareti - içkiden gelen cesaretUrdu: شراب کی بہادری - نشے کا حوصلہIndonesian: keberanian karena alkohol - keberanian palsu akibat minum alkohol
Example Sentences
He needed some Dutch courage before his speech.
basic
She used Dutch courage to ask for a raise.
basic
He only talked to her with a little Dutch courage.
basic
It was just Dutch courage—normally, he'd be too shy to sing karaoke.
natural
A shot of whiskey gave him enough Dutch courage to confront his boss.
natural
He didn't really have confidence; it was all Dutch courage from the bar.
natural