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

It came to her in a flash how impossible it was for him, with no pride but self-love, no courage but Dutch courage, to understand fearlessness and endurance.

From Captivity by Eyles, M. Leonora

By this time Mr. Worden was seated, and we followed more moderately, our team having none of the Dutch courage of a pair of horses fresh from the stable.

From Satanstoe by Cooper, James Fenimore

"Dutch courage is cheap enough, Mister Slyne," said the old man tauntingly.

From The White Blackbird by Douglas, Hudson

The very effrontery with which you fancy you are braving public opinion is only Dutch courage.

From Barrington Volume I (of II) by Lever, Charles James