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

"If so, it would be Dutch courage, indeed," answered Helen, laughing.

From Vera Nevill Or, Poor Wisdom's Chance by Cameron, H. Lovett, Mrs.

By this time Mr. Worden was seated, and we followed more moderately, our team having none of the Dutch courage of a pair of horses fresh from the stable.

From Satanstoe by Cooper, James Fenimore

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

I don't believe in Dutch courage in any case, Bathurst; certainly not in yours.

From Rujub, the Juggler by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)