Dutch courage

NOUN

alcohol-induced courage

Synonyms

STRONGEST

drunkenness liquid courage

STRONG

pot-valiance pot-valiancy pot-valor

WEAK

alcohol bold front hitting the bottle intoxication

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Dutch courage … John le Carré's Toby Bell takes to a cafe to prepare himself to steal an illicit recording back from his employer.

From The Guardian • Apr. 12, 2013

His face grew paler, his scar waxed redder, and with all his Dutch courage there was a look of alarm visible in his cold eyes.

From The Bishop's Secret by Hume, Fergus

The retort, I think, was sound:— Do you ask what is Dutch courage?

From A Wanderer in Holland by Marshall, Herbert, R. W .S.

"Dutch courage is cheap enough," said a contemptuous, sneering voice in the background, and the sound of shuffling footsteps succeeded it.

From The White Blackbird by Douglas, Hudson

Bridegroom, Dutch courage of, 72; driven to desperation, 83.

From How to be Happy Though Married Being a Handbook to Marriage by Hardy, Edward John