1.
to summon one's courage; to muster up courage; to screw up one's courage
To gather all of one's courage to face something difficult or frightening. The verb 振り絞る literally means "to wring out," conveying the image of squeezing out every last drop of bravery.
勇気を振り絞って告白した。
I mustered up my courage and confessed my feelings.
勇気を振り絞って社長に意見を言った。
I summoned my courage and spoke my mind to the company president.
怖かったが、勇気を振り絞って暗い道を一人で歩いた。
I was scared, but I mustered my courage and walked the dark road alone.
USAGE:
A set expression using the verb 振り絞る (to wring out, to squeeze out). The image is of squeezing out the last drops of courage from within oneself. Typically used when facing a frightening, embarrassing, or challenging situation.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 勇気を振り絞って + action (mustering courage to do something)
- 最後の勇気を振り絞る (to summon one's last ounce of courage)
SIMILAR WORDS:
勇気を出す (to show courage) is simpler and less dramatic. 振り絞る adds the nuance of a supreme effort to overcome fear.