grown some balls
Found one's nerve
To have grown some balls is to have developed courage or assertiveness where it was previously lacking.
The phrase implies someone has overcome timidity to stand up for themselves or take bold action.
Vulgar but common: Finally grew some balls and asked for a raise.
The underlying metaphor equates testicles with masculine bravery.
- man upEmbrace toughness, colloquially
- sack upSummon bravery, act boldly
- toughen upBecome less easily hurt
- confidenceSelf-assurance or trust
- speaking one's mindExpressing honest opinions openly
find your voice · bravery · assertiveness · audacity · rise to the occasion · step up to the plate · cowboy up · grit · take the bull by the horns · bite the bullet · determination · self-assurance · put one's foot down · face the music · steel yourself · boldness · fortitude · cojones
grown some ballschickened out
Retreated from fear
wimped out · backed down · caved in · turned tail · folded
grown some ballsfrozen up
Halted by cold
clammed up · sat on one's hands · hidden away · kept one's head down
grow, grows, growing, growth, growths, outgrow, outgrows, outgrown, outgrowing