steel oneself
Summon inner fortitude
To steel oneself is to summon courage or resolve in preparation for something difficult or unpleasant: She steeled herself before opening the test results.
The image is of hardening oneself like steel—becoming rigid and unyielding against anticipated pain, fear, or temptation.
He steeled himself for the difficult conversation ahead.
- iron willUnwavering mental determination
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- hardenedMade tough or unfeeling
- resolveFirmness of purpose
- determinationFirmness of purpose
stiff upper lip · face the music · fortitude · self-control · mental toughness · inner strength · toughen up · suck it up · bravery · bite the bullet · brace · gird · spine · nerve · jaw · tenacity · gather strength · acceptance
- reflexive actionshelp oneself, express oneself, behave oneself, enjoy oneself, apply oneself
- couragebravery, resilience, fearlessness, boldness, courage
- snap out of itsnap out of it, get a grip, get it together, shake it off, wake up
- suiting updress up, put on, gear up, don, equip
mental/emotional fortification
steel oneselflet one's guard down
Cease being defensive
relax · open up · lower one's guard · unwind · soften