腹(はら)を括(くく)る

はらをくくる

expression

to brace oneself; to prepare for the worst

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(はら)を括(くく)るしかない。

There's nothing to do but brace ourselves.

結果(けっか)がどうなろうと腹(はら)を括(くく)って挑(いど)む。

No matter what the outcome, I'll steel myself and take on the challenge.

彼(かれ)は腹(はら)を括(くく)って社長(しゃちょう)に直接(ちょくせつ)辞表(じひょう)を提出(ていしゅつ)した。

He steeled himself and submitted his resignation directly to the company president.

Usage

腹(はら)を括(くく)る is an idiomatic expression meaning to resolve oneself mentally for a difficult situation. The literal image is of tying up (括(くく)る) the belly (腹(はら)), 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(はら)を括(くく)って + verb (to do something with resolve)
腹(はら)を括(くく)るしかない (there's no choice but to brace oneself)

Similar words

腹(はら)を括(くく)る: to steel oneself (firm resolve to accept any outcome)
覚悟(かくご)を決(き)める: to make up one's mind (to accept a serious consequence)
腹(はら)を据(す)える: to gather one's resolve (very similar in meaning)
開(ひら)き直(なお)る: to brazen it out (giving up pretense, sometimes negatively)

Related Words

Compare: 開(ひら)き直(なお)る (to brazen it out)

general

Added 2026.3.4 14:54 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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