lose one's nerve

Become frightened or timid, lose courage. For example, I wanted to ski down the expert slope but then I lost my nerve. This expression employs nerve in the sense of “courage or boldness.” [Early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

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Chelsea captain Terry slipped as he missed his penalty in 2008 The tendency to lose one's nerve - or "choke" - was seen in graphic fashion in the Masters at Augusta earlier this month.