Dutch courage

Definition

The courage or bravado induced by alcohol.

Etymology

This dates back to a time of intense political rivalry between England and the Netherlands, and was originally an ethnic slur.

Example Sentences

• "I was beginning to wish I'd had the sense to spend the last hour in a pub. Dutch courage would have been better than no courage at all."
• "Another five minutes wait and we finally raise glasses in a toast to the evening. ‘So, what's the plan?’ ‘Well, we can go straight to the casino after this or we can get half a skinful of Dutch courage.’"