Dutch courage

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Dutch courage … John le Carré's Toby Bell takes to a cafe to prepare himself to steal an illicit recording back from his employer.

From The Guardian • Apr. 12, 2013

I would not have my wig box snatched away; and there is no limit to the audacity of those bully beaux when they have drunk enough to give them Dutch courage.

From Tom Tufton's Travels by Everett-Green, Evelyn

Then she was forced to emerge—and no tottering criminal, about to face the scaffold, has ever had more need of Dutch courage than Laura in this moment.

From The Getting of Wisdom by Richardson, Henry Handel

"I think, sir," observed I, "that it is an injustice to this fine ship's company to hint at their requiring Dutch courage."

From Peter Simple; and, The Three Cutters, Vol. 1-2 by Marryat, Frederick

I don't believe in Dutch courage in any case, Bathurst; certainly not in yours.

From Rujub, the Juggler by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)