Stiffen the sinews

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Stiffen the sinews

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Stiffen the sinews

Meaning

Become resolute and purposeful.

Origin

From the celebrated 'Once more unto the breach' speech, from Shakespeare's Henry V Part III, 1599.

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
Or close the wall up with our English dead.
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility:
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger;
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood...

See other phrases and sayings from Shakespeare.