1.
to brace oneself; to steel oneself; to prepare for the worst
To mentally prepare and accept whatever outcome may come, resolving not to waver. Implies making a firm decision and facing a difficult or uncertain situation with determination.
もう腹を括るしかない。
There's nothing to do but brace ourselves.
結果がどうなろうと腹を括って挑む。
No matter what the outcome, I'll steel myself and take on the challenge.
彼は腹を括って社長に直接辞表を提出した。
He steeled himself and submitted his resignation directly to the company president.
USAGE:
腹を括る is an idiomatic expression meaning to resolve oneself mentally for a difficult situation. The literal image is of tying up (括る) the belly (腹), symbolizing inner firmness. It is used when someone decides to stop hesitating and commit to a course of action, accepting whatever consequences may follow.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 腹を括って + verb (to do something with resolve)
- 腹を括るしかない (there's no choice but to brace oneself)
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 腹を括る: to steel oneself (firm resolve to accept any outcome)
- 覚悟を決める: to make up one's mind (to accept a serious consequence)
- 腹を据える: to gather one's resolve (very similar in meaning)
- 開き直る: to brazen it out (giving up pretense, sometimes negatively)