steeled themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steeled themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone preparing themselves mentally or emotionally for something difficult or challenging. Example: "Before stepping onto the stage, the performers steeled themselves for the audience's reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

They have steeled themselves, Americanized themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

But eventually it sank in, and they steeled themselves and turned to walk home.

The New York Times - Magazine

And some Shiites, like Mithaq Sadia, a young mother, have steeled themselves for another sectarian conflict.

The New York Times

Chatounovski and Barber steeled themselves for what they knew would follow.

The New Yorker

He could not beat Vorm, however, and Villa steeled themselves for a frantic finale.

The Guardian - Sport

The bold among us steeled themselves preemptively against the judgment of passersby.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Brazilians are now steeling themselves for the worst.

The New York Times

The Heat players are steeling themselves as well.

The New York Times - Sports

But the unions, smarting from defeat, will be steeling themselves for the next round.

The Economist

AS AMERICA continues its preparations to bomb Iraq, Kuwaitis are steeling themselves for the worst.

The Economist

But institutions are already steeling themselves to make do with much less.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully to ensure that "steeled themselves" accurately reflects the intended meaning. If the situation involves more physical preparation, a phrase like "prepared themselves" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "steeled themselves" for routine or simple preparations. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving significant emotional or mental strain, not for everyday tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steeled themselves" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken by a subject. It describes the act of mentally or emotionally preparing for a challenging or difficult situation, as evidenced by numerous examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steeled themselves" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of mentally and emotionally preparing for a difficult or challenging situation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media sources. While "prepared themselves" is a more general alternative, "steeled themselves" specifically implies a strengthening of resolve to face adversity. Writers should use it to precisely convey the act of bracing for hardship, while avoiding overuse in simpler contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

braced themselves

Focuses on physically or mentally preparing for an impact or shock. It shifts the emphasis to anticipating a direct confrontation with something unpleasant.

prepared themselves

A more general term indicating readiness, which may include practical arrangements as well as mental fortitude. It lacks the specific implication of emotional or mental hardening.

fortified themselves

Implies strengthening oneself, often mentally or emotionally, to withstand pressure or difficulty. It suggests adding inner strength rather than just readying existing resources.

girded their loins

An idiomatic expression that means preparing for action, often strenuous or challenging. It's more figurative and somewhat archaic compared to "steeled themselves".

composed themselves

Highlights regaining calmness and control, suggesting an effort to present a collected demeanor under pressure. It emphasizes self-control more than preparation for a challenge.

psyched themselves up

Indicates building excitement and confidence, often used in the context of sports or performance. It's more about generating enthusiasm than bracing for adversity.

got ready

A very basic and general term for preparing, lacking any implication of emotional hardening or facing a significant challenge. It is less descriptive and impactful.

toughened up

Implies making oneself more resilient or less sensitive, often through experience or deliberate effort. It focuses on becoming less vulnerable, whereas "steeled themselves" focuses on preparing for a specific event.

readied themselves

A formal and somewhat less common synonym for "prepared themselves", indicating a state of readiness. It does not necessarily imply emotional or mental preparation.

set themselves up

Implies arranging things or circumstances to be advantageous, rather than preparing oneself mentally. The focus is on external arrangements, not internal fortitude.

FAQs

How can I use "steeled themselves" in a sentence?

Use "steeled themselves" to describe mentally or emotionally preparing for a difficult event. For example, "After hearing the bad news, they "steeled themselves" for the challenges ahead".

What can I say instead of "steeled themselves"?

You can use alternatives like "braced themselves", "prepared themselves", or "fortified themselves" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "steeled themselves"?

It's appropriate to use "steeled themselves" when describing a deliberate act of mental or emotional preparation to face something difficult, challenging, or unpleasant. For example, "Before the trial, the witnesses "steeled themselves" to recount the events".

What's the difference between "steeled themselves" and "prepared themselves"?

"Steeled themselves" implies a hardening of emotions or resolve to face adversity, while "prepared themselves" is a more general term that can refer to any kind of preparation, including physical or logistical.