dutch courage

USAGE SUMMARY

'dutch courage' is a phrase commonly used in written English, and it is used to refer to courage or boldness that comes from consuming alcohol.
For example, "Derek took a few shots of tequila to give himself some dutch courage before he made his presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dutch courage, anyone?

Independent

Dutch courage deserved the victory.

The New York Times - Sports

And, if needed, Dutch courage is readily available.

Britannica

Suddenly the Dutch have got their Dutch courage back.

The Guardian - Sport

Without Dutch courage, I don't think I'd have done it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

South Korea's hidden horror Dutch courage ReprintsThose, at least, are the theoretical benefits.

The Economist

South Korea's hidden horror Dutch courage ReprintsThis time, the bureau's projections made unemployment a dominant theme.

The Economist

If you're nervous, it's tempting to bolster up some Dutch courage by piling up the drinks.

The Guardian

Indeed they may require a little Dutch courage for their last undertaking in this tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

South Korea's hidden horror Dutch courage ReprintsHowever, the money has not flowed smoothly (see the second panel of the chart).

The Economist

And if I gave the Lion a bottle of vodka he'd have Dutch Courage … " "Yes, yes," said Dorothy testily.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dutch courage" when referring to bravery or boldness that is a direct result of alcohol consumption. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the courage might be reckless or ill-advised.

Common error

Avoid using "dutch courage" when referring to genuine, sober bravery or resilience. It is specifically linked to alcohol-induced confidence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dutch courage" is as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of courage that is artificially induced. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Books

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dutch courage" refers to bravery induced by alcohol, often with a connotation of recklessness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across varied sources like news media, encyclopedias, and literature. Alternatives such as "liquid courage" and "alcohol-induced bravery" offer similar meanings, though "dutch courage" uniquely captures the blend of boldness and potential imprudence. While versatile, it's best used in neutral to informal contexts, reserving more formal language for professional settings. Understanding these nuances allows for effective communication, avoiding misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

liquid courage

Replaces "dutch" with "liquid", emphasizing the alcoholic aspect.

alcohol-induced bravery

More descriptive and literal, specifying the cause of bravery.

intoxicated boldness

Focuses on the state of intoxication and its effect on confidence.

artificial confidence

Highlights the artificial nature of the confidence gained.

false bravery

Emphasizes that the courage may not be genuine.

spirited audacity

Uses a more elevated tone to describe alcohol-influenced courage.

booze-fueled bravado

Directly links the bravery to alcohol consumption.

courage from the bottle

Metaphorically describes the source of courage.

getting fortified with alcohol

Describes the act of drinking to gain confidence.

Dutch courage is a myth

Expresses skepticism or disbelief about the concept.

FAQs

What does "dutch courage" mean?

"Dutch courage" refers to the boldness or bravery gained from consuming alcohol, often implying that the courage is not genuine or may lead to recklessness.

How can I use "dutch courage" in a sentence?

You can use "dutch courage" in a sentence like this: "He needed some "liquid courage" before asking her out on a date."

What are some alternatives to "dutch courage"?

Some alternatives to "dutch courage" include "liquid courage", "alcohol-induced bravery", or "artificial confidence".

Is it appropriate to use "dutch courage" in formal writing?

While "dutch courage" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using a more direct and less colloquial phrase like "increased confidence due to alcohol".