pluck up the courage to (do something)

pluck up the courage to (do something)

To bolster one's courage or emotionally prepare oneself enough to do a frightening or overwhelming task. I want to ask Sarah out on a date, but I'm trying to pluck up the courage to do it! I know he's terrified of speaking in public, so he's having a drink to help pluck up the courage to go on stage.
See also: courage, pluck, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pluck/screw/summon up (your/the) ˈcourage (to do something)

force yourself to be brave enough to do something: I had liked her for a long time, and eventually I plucked up the courage to ask her out. I finally screwed up my courage and went to the dentist.
See also: courage, pluck, screw, summon, up
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • for (one's) (own) sake
  • for sake
  • comfortable in (one's) own skin
  • watch (one's) six
  • check (one's) six
  • check your six
  • put (oneself) on the line
  • put yourself on the line
  • wash hands of
  • wash your hands of something/someone