In this post, we will explore common phrases in English that use the word “brave.” These phrases, known as idioms, add color and depth to our language, making conversations more interesting.
They are used in everyday speech to convey specific ideas in a figurative way. Below, you’ll find a list of idioms related to bravery, along with their meanings and examples to help you understand how to use them in your own conversations.
Brave Idioms
Here are 20 brave idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. Brave the storm
Meaning: Endure through challenging times.
Example: He braved the storm to save his dog.
2. Brave face
Meaning: Pretend to be unafraid.
Example: She put on a brave face during the speech.
3. Brave the elements
Meaning: Endure harsh weather conditions.
Example: They braved the elements on their hike.
4. Brave new world
Meaning: A new and hopeful period.
Example: Technology ushered in a brave new world.
5. Brave it out
Meaning: Endure a difficult situation.
Example: He braved it out despite the pain.
6. Brave the odds
Meaning: Face unlikely chances.
Example: She braved the odds and succeeded.
7. Have the heart of a lion
Meaning: Be very brave.
Example: He has the heart of a lion in battles.
8. Lion-hearted
Meaning: Extremely courageous.
Example: The lion-hearted girl rescued her friend.
9. No guts, no glory
Meaning: Risk is needed for success.
Example: He lives by the rule, no guts, no glory.
10. Steel oneself
Meaning: Prepare for something difficult.
Example: She steeled herself before the interview.
11. Take the bull by the horns
Meaning: Deal with a problem directly.
Example: He took the bull by the horns and confronted his boss.
12. Heart in one’s boots
Meaning: Feel very scared.
Example: His heart was in his boots during the horror film.
13. Bold as brass
Meaning: Very confident and unashamed.
Example: She walked in bold as brass and demanded answers.
14. As brave as a bear
Meaning: Extremely brave.
Example: In the crisis, he was as brave as a bear.
15. In the lion’s den
Meaning: In a dangerous or intimidating situation.
Example: Negotiating with criminals is like being in the lion’s den.
16. Dare the impossible
Meaning: Attempt something very difficult.
Example: They dared the impossible and won.
17. Cross swords
Meaning: Engage in a battle or argument.
Example: They crossed swords over the new policy.
18. Beard the lion in his den
Meaning: Confront someone powerful in their own area.
Example: He bearded the lion in his den to get a fair deal.
19. Face the music
Meaning: Accept the consequences.
Example: After the mistake, he had to face the music.
20. Throw down the gauntlet
Meaning: Challenge someone.
Example: She threw down the gauntlet to her competitors.
