PhrasesHub

Stiffen the sinews

    Definitions

      • encourage or prepare for a challenge
        To mentally or physically prepare oneself or others for a difficult or challenging task or situation

    Examples of Stiffen the sinews

    • In times of crisis, we must stiffen the sinews of our resolve and stand firm in the face of adversity.

      This metaphorical idiom likens the act of strengthening one's determination and steadfastness to reinforcing the sinews, or tough fibrous bands that connect the muscles to the bones in the body. It implies a need to draw upon inner reserves of courage and fortitude to withstand challenges and maintain a strong and steady posture.

    • The team's captain stiffened the sinews of his teammates through his inspirational speech, uplifting their spirits and rallying them to victory.

      This idiom can also be used in the context of leadership and motivation, suggesting that by using persuasive and uplifting language, one can instill confidence and resolve in others, enabling them to summon their own inner strength and resilience.

    • After a long and grueling workout, I need to stiffen the sinews of my muscles with a good massage and some rest.

      This idiom can be applied to physical regeneration as well, implying that just as muscles must be fortified with rest and recovery after being exercised, the mind and spirit too must be strengthened through restorative practices in order to maintain its resilience and flexibility.

    • The detective stiffened the sinews of his intuition, trusting his instincts and following the clues to solve the case.

      This application of the idiom suggests that by harnessing one's intuition and trusting their instincts, they can deepen their sense of inner strength and resolve, enabling them to draw upon these inner resources in times of decision-making and problem-solving.

    • In moments of extreme stress or adversity, Elizabeth's unwavering resolve enabled her to stiffen the sinews of her will and persevere against all odds.

      This idiom is commonly used to describe the process of strengthening one's willpower or determination in the face of difficult circumstances. It originated during the English Renaissance and is derived from a quote by the poet William Shakespeare in his play Henry V. The phrase "stiffen the sinews" refers to the physical act of tightening the muscles in one's body, which is often associated with a heightened sense of mental and emotional fortitude. In this example, Elizabeth's ability to "stiffen the sinews" allows her to overcome challenges with courage and grit, demonstrating the power of the human spirit in times of hardship.

    • In order to face the challenges of the presentation, Jane decided to stiffen the sinews of her resolve and deliver a confident speech.

      The phrase "stiffen the sinews" is used to mean strengthening one's willpower, determination or courage. Here, "sinews" refer to the tendons and ligaments that hold the muscles and bones together, providing support and strength. By stiffening these sinews, Jane was making a conscious effort to bolster her inner strength and firmness of purpose, in order to face the daunting task ahead of her with confidence and clarity.

    • The coach motivated his team to stiffen the sinews of their character and give their best shot during the championship.

      Here, "character" refers to the moral fiber and the values that one holds dear. The coach was urging his team to summon the courage and determination required to face their opponents, by drawing upon their strong moral compass and their sense of integrity. The metaphorical picture that this phrase paints is that of muscles and tendons growing rigid and unyielding, much like a statue taking a stance, in order to face challenges with strength and resolve.

    • As the crisis loomed, the leaders of the company urged their employees to stiffen the sinews of their spirit and fight back with grit and determination.

      "Spirit" refers to the emotional and psychological fortitude that one requires to face adversity. Here, the leaders were calling upon their employees to tap into their innermost reserves of courage, spirit and determination, in order to weather the storm and emerge victorious. By using this idiom, they were urging their employees to summon the strength required to stay focused, positive and steadfast in the face of uncertainty and fear.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "stiffen the sinews" is used to describe the act of mentally or physically preparing oneself or others for a difficult or challenging task or situation. It can be used to encourage and motivate individuals to face a tough challenge with determination and strength.

    The phrase is often used in a figurative sense, emphasizing the need to mentally or emotionally strengthen oneself or others in order to face a difficult situation. It can also imply the need to physically prepare for a challenging task by readying one's body for the exertion and effort required.

    Overall, "stiffen the sinews" is a powerful and vivid expression that highlights the importance of mental and physical preparedness in overcoming obstacles and challenges.

    Origin of "Stiffen the sinews"

    The phrase "stiffen the sinews" has its origins in Shakespeare's play "Henry V," where the character King Henry delivers a rousing speech to his troops before the Battle of Agincourt. In the speech, he urges his soldiers to "stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood" in preparation for the battle ahead. The phrase has since become a powerful and enduring expression of the need to muster courage and strength in the face of adversity.

    The use of "sinews" in the idiom refers to the tendons or muscles that provide strength and support to the body. By "stiffening" these sinews, individuals are metaphorically preparing themselves for a challenge, emphasizing the need for resilience and determination in the face of difficulty. The phrase has since become a timeless expression of the importance of mental and physical preparedness in overcoming obstacles.