Dutch courage

NOUN

alcohol-induced courage

Synonyms

STRONGEST

drunkenness liquid courage

STRONG

pot-valiance pot-valiancy pot-valor

WEAK

alcohol bold front hitting the bottle intoxication

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

The retort, I think, was sound:— Do you ask what is Dutch courage?

From A Wanderer in Holland by Marshall, Herbert, R. W .S.

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)

The Dutch have had second-hand flags to fight under; And so if "Dutch courage" mean borrowed, what wonder?

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 105 October 7, 1893 by Various

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