brace up
Gather your courage
Brace up means to gather courage or composure, especially when facing difficulty: Brace up—we'll get through this.
The phrase suggests steeling oneself, becoming mentally or emotionally firm.
It can also mean to physically straighten or steady oneself.
The expression sounds somewhat old-fashioned, more common in British English than American.
Prepare mentally for difficulty
- buck upBecome more cheerful
- take heartGain courage or confidence
- chin upEncouragement to stay positive
- courageFortitude facing danger
fortify · hearten · bolster · rally · embolden · reassure · stiffen · nerve
Fixed, not fluctuating
- composeCreate or arrange
- collect yourselfRegain emotional control
- gatherBring or come together
- firm upMake solid or certain
toughen · harden · steel · strengthen · get a grip · pull together · shore up · buttress
steel yourself
Prepare mentally for difficulty
- buck upBecome more cheerful
- take heartGain courage or confidence
- chin upEncouragement to stay positive
courage · fortify · hearten · bolster · rally · embolden · reassure · stiffen · nerve · gird
steady
Fixed, not fluctuating
- composeCreate or arrange
- collect yourselfRegain emotional control
- gatherBring or come together
firm up · toughen · harden · steel · strengthen · get a grip · pull together · shore up · buttress · reinforce
brace upcollapse
Sudden structural failure
falter · give up · lose heart · break down · cave in
embrace, brace, braces, embracing, bracing, braced, embraced, embraces, embraceable