derring-do

Related to derring-do: expressive, pithy, obscure, meaningful, scrutinized

derring-do

Heroic, brave, or daring deeds or spirit, especially when referring to swordplay or other action-adventure scenarios. The sailor, with great derring-do, leapt from the crow's nest of the ship with his sword in his teeth, pouncing on the pirate captain.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

derring do

Heroically brave exploits. “Derring” comes from “daring, and “do” is related to “done.” Geoffrey Chaucer originated the phrase in his poem Troilus and Criseyde; it was picked up by Edmund Spenser and again by Sir Walter Scott in Ivanhoe. If you come across it in contemporary speed or writing, you're more than likely to hear it in the longer phrase “deeds of derring do.”
See also: derring
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
See also:
  • derring
  • derring do
  • make (someone or something) out to be (something)
  • make out to be
  • jump ship
  • go to sea
  • put (out) to sea
  • sea dog
  • old salt
  • unsung heroes
References in periodicals archive
Derring-Do became a successful stallion and his best son, Huntercombe, came from his first crop.
In that farewell year he sent out another of Derring-Do's sons, Dominion (later a highly successful sire), to finish third behind Bolkonski and Grundy in the 2,000 Guineas, and Escapologist to win the Valdoe Stakes.
She delves into the internal anguish and "o payor da morte" (fear of death) that night in and night out the young bride must conceal while she choreographs, with ample gestures and enchanting nuances, those scenarios of irresistible derring-dos and mischievous knavery that, she hopes, might mesmerize her husband into relinquishing his odious decree.
North Korean president Kim Jong-il thinks nothing of telling his people improbable tales of his derring-dos, including a debut round of gol f in the capital, Pyongyang, that yielded 11 holes in one and a round of 34-under par.
So whether you're a novice looking for help sorting your derring-dos from your derring-don'ts or a veteran trying to find specialist support for your next venture, Explore is for you.
This time, he is leaving nothing to chance - the curtains will remain drawn at his home in Edinburgh, the telly and radio will be switched off and he'll immerse himself in Jack Ryan's latest derring-dos in Debt of Honour.