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View synonyms for
Dutch courage
noun
Sometimes Offensive.
courage inspired by drunkenness or drinking liquor.
Dutch courage
noun
false courage gained from drinking alcohol
alcoholic drink
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Sensitive Note
Dutch courage is foolish courage or misplaced confidence. Because “Dutch” is used to imply that the courage is not genuine, the term is sometimes perceived as insulting to or by the Dutch. See also Dutch.
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51Թ History and Origins
Origin of Dutch courage1
First recorded in 1805–15
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Idioms and Phrases
False courage acquired by drinking liquor, as in He had a quick drink to give him Dutch courage. This idiom alludes to the reputed heavy drinking of the Dutch, and was first referred to in Edmund Waller's Instructions to a Painter (1665): “The Dutch their wine, and all their brandy lose, Disarm'd of that from which their courage grows.”
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Example Sentences
Examples have not been reviewed.
If that doesn’t call for Dutch courage, I don’t know what does.
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"As a society, we need to normalise socialising without the Dutch courage and prove to people that you really can have a blast without the booze," says Mr Sargood.
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“I know it’s only Dutch courage, but it sometimes works wonders.”
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Those who need Dutch courage to flirt still have plenty of traditional pubs to go to, says Yates.
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No Dutch courage was necessary for these singers, though.
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