English Explanatory Dictionary

gird up one's loins

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To prepare oneself for something demanding.

Word forms

gird up one's loins girds up one's loins girding up one's loins girded up one's loins girt up one's loins gird one's loins girdle one's loins

Etymology

Likely a Hebraism, often used in the King James Bible (e.g., 2 Kings 4:29). Literally referred to the need to strap a belt around one's waist, i.e. when getting up, in order to avoid the cloak falling off; or otherwise before battle, to free the legs for running.

Synonyms

brace oneself eat one's Wheaties roll up one's sleeves shape up steel oneself suck it up

Related words

batten down the hatches tighten one's belt
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