Dutch courage

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

I would not have my wig box snatched away; and there is no limit to the audacity of those bully beaux when they have drunk enough to give them Dutch courage.

From Tom Tufton's Travels by Everett-Green, Evelyn

The Dutch have had second-hand flags to fight under; And so if "Dutch courage" mean borrowed, what wonder?

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 105 October 7, 1893 by Various

"I think, sir," observed I, "that it is an injustice to this fine ship's company to hint at their requiring Dutch courage."

From Peter Simple; and, The Three Cutters, Vol. 1-2 by Marryat, Frederick