brace up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To strengthen, support, or prepare oneself or something else, especially in the face of difficulty or challenge. It implies making something more secure, stable, or resilient.
Usage and Examples
- Verb:
- You need to brace up and face the consequences. (You need to strengthen your resolve and face the consequences.)
- The crew worked to brace up the mast before the storm hit. (The crew worked to secure the mast firmly before the storm hit.)
- She tried to brace up her spirits after receiving the bad news. (She tried to bolster her spirits after receiving the bad news.)
Advanced Usage
- "to brace oneself up": This is a reflexive construction emphasizing personal preparation for something difficult.
- He braced himself up for the difficult conversation with his boss. (He mentally prepared himself for the difficult conversation with his boss.)
Variants and Related Words
- Brace (verb): To support or strengthen.
- Bracing (adjective): Invigorating or strengthening.
- Underbrace (verb): A less common synonym meaning to support from beneath.
Synonyms
- Strengthen: To make stronger.
- Fortify: To strengthen against attack.
- Steel: To mentally harden or prepare.
- Bolster: To support or strengthen.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Brace for: To prepare for something, typically something unpleasant or impactful.
- The city braced for the hurricane. (The city prepared for the hurricane.)
Related Idioms
- Brace yourself: A common imperative warning someone to prepare for a shock, impact, or unpleasant news.
- Brace yourself, I have some bad news. (Prepare yourself, I have some bad news.)
Verb
- make secure underneath
- undergird the ship