strap on a pair
English
Etymology
Abbreviation of "strap on a pair of testicles"Also has a military connotation of, "strap on a pair of combat boots".Being ready to stand and defend what is right or that you believe in.
Verb
strap on a pair
- (idiomatic, indelicate) To be brave; to show some courage, especially in a situation where one has so far failed to do so.
- 2002 July 17, "Parenting Forum," cleveland.com (Cleveland Plain Dealer) (retrieved 29 Oct 2008):
- The moral of the story is strap on a pair and be a man.
- 2003 Feb. 1, "The power of words," Automotive Industries (retrieved 29 Oct 2008):
- Somebody clearly needed to "strap on a pair" and say what needed to be said. Forget the flowery words and sensitivity training.
- 2002 July 17, "Parenting Forum," cleveland.com (Cleveland Plain Dealer) (retrieved 29 Oct 2008):
Synonyms
- get a pair, grow a pair
- ruck up
See also
- have a pair