steeled oneself
- bracedSteadied against force
- nervesTense apprehension
- resolveFirmness of purpose
- courageFortitude facing danger
- fortifiedMade more resistant
prepared · girded · hardened · determination · breath · tension · spine · willpower · mustered · summoned · grit · faced · steadied · composure · unflinching · jaw · clenched · readied
mental preparation and resolve
steeled oneselfchickened out
Retreated from fear
backed down · faltered · lost heart · wavered · flinched
emotional hardening vs. softening
steeled oneselflet one's guard down
Cease being defensive
opened up · softened · relaxed · melted · let it all out
emotional control
steeled oneselffell apart
Broke into components
broke down · let oneself go · cracked · unraveled · went to pieces