have the guts

have the guts (to do something)

To have enough courage, conviction, or resolve (to do something). You're always talking about quitting your job, but I don't think you have the guts. I know it can be difficult, but you've got to have the guts to stand up for your beliefs!
See also: gut, have
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

have the guts

Possess the courage, as in Does he have the guts to dive off the high board? This expression replaces the earlier and now obsolete sense of stomach as "courage," a usage from the early 1500s. [Slang; late 1800s]
See also: gut, have
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

have the ˈguts (to do something)

(informal) have the courage (to do something): She didn’t have the guts to tell him she was going to move out. He’ll never agree to sail across the Atlantic with you. He hasn’t got the guts. ▶ ˈgutsy adj.: a gutsy fighter
See also: gut, have
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • have the guts (to do something)
  • get enough guts up (to do something)
  • square (one's) shoulders
  • square one's shoulders
  • get enough courage up
  • get enough courage up (to do something)
  • intestinal fortitude
  • misery guts
  • get the guts up (to do something)
  • get the courage up (to do something)
References in periodicals archive
THE inept and virtuous Birmingham City Council, under the stewardship of Sir Albert Bore, should consider changing its coat of arms to read "Birmingham City Council operate a no-blame culture" on the basis they never ever do anything wrong - or at least they never have the guts to admit it (Mail, October 2).
'No-blame' game at the city council
Health minister Anne Milton delivered a speech to the conference and said later she thought Mr Lansley did "have the guts" to speak to all delegates.
Gutless Minister jibe by nurses; He refuses to face national talk-in
So glad you have the guts to stick up for integrity and not succumb to the blond bully and a few laughs.
THURSDAY'S LETTERS: Red-Hot Coulter, 'Crying Wolf' on Iran, Walter Reed Scandal and U.S. Health Care