Dutch courage
Americannoun
noun
-
false courage gained from drinking alcohol
-
alcoholic drink
Sensitive Note
Dutch courage is foolish courage or misplaced confidence. Because “Dutch” is used to imply that the courage is not genuine, the term is sometimes perceived as insulting to or by the Dutch. See also Dutch.
Etymology
Origin of Dutch courage
First recorded in 1805–15
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 Fergus Hume
I don't believe in Dutch courage in any case, Bathurst; certainly not in yours.
From Rujub, the Juggler by G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
"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 Frederick Marryat
His Royal Highness was on foot, and was seen standing facing the enemy, with outstretched legs, like a Colossus of Rhodes, impassive and stolid,—the very impersonification of Dutch courage and aggressiveness.
From History of Circumcision from the Earliest Times to the Present Moral and Physical Reasons for its Performance by Peter Charles Remondino
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