Dutch courage
Alcohol-induced false confidence
Dutch courage is boldness or confidence that comes from drinking alcohol: After a few beers, he had enough Dutch courage to ask her out.
The phrase suggests the bravery is artificial or temporary—liquid fortification rather than genuine nerve.
The term dates from the 17th century, when the English and Dutch were rivals.
Loud, empty boasting
- false braveryFeigned fearlessness
- posturingInsincere behavior for effect
- swaggerConfident, boastful manner
- bluffCalculated false front
front · facade · pretense · show · puffery · boastfulness · veneer · overconfidence
Distilled alcoholic drink
- spiritsLiquor or apparitions
- whiskeyOak-aged grain spirit
- ginCotton-cleaning machine
- vodkaClear distilled spirit
brandy · rum · bourbon · scotch · schnapps · flask · shot · swig
Drunken state
- tipsinessLight intoxication state
- drunkennessImpaired state from alcohol
- buzzedMildly intoxicated
- sloshedVery intoxicated
hammered · plastered · tipsy · befuddled · sozzled · fuddled · slurred · groggy
Persistent apprehensive distress
- nervousnessState of anxious unease
- shynessTendency toward social timidity
- timidityFearful lack of courage
- fearEmotional response to threat
trepidation · hesitation · self-doubt · social anxiety · stage fright · cold feet · butterflies · apprehension
bluster
Loud, empty boasting
- false braveryFeigned fearlessness
- posturingInsincere behavior for effect
- swaggerConfident, boastful manner
bluff · front · facade · pretense · show · puffery · boastfulness · veneer · overconfidence · brashness
liquor
Distilled alcoholic drink
vodka · brandy · rum · bourbon · scotch · schnapps · flask · shot · swig · nip
inebriation
Drunken state
- tipsinessLight intoxication state
- drunkennessImpaired state from alcohol
- buzzedMildly intoxicated
sloshed · hammered · plastered · tipsy · befuddled · sozzled · fuddled · slurred · groggy · loosened up
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
- nervousnessState of anxious unease
- shynessTendency toward social timidity
- timidityFearful lack of courage
fear · trepidation · hesitation · self-doubt · social anxiety · stage fright · cold feet · butterflies · apprehension · insecurity
Dutch courageinner strength
Mental and emotional resilience
self-assurance · true grit · moral courage · intestinal fortitude · backbone
Dutch couragecowardice
Absence of bravery
timidity · cold feet · level-headedness · inhibition · stage fright
Dutch couragesobriety
Unimpaired mental state
clear-headedness · lucidity · presence of mind · level-headedness
Dutch, Dutchman, Dutchwoman, Dutchmen, courage, courageous, courageously, encourage, encouragement