have the stomach for sth

/hav ðə stˈʌmək fɔː ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

/hæv ðə stˈʌmək fɔːɹ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

[phrase]

to have the stomach for sth

[PHRASE]

to be determined or courageous enough to do something dangerous or risky

to [have] the stomach for {sth} definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "have the stomach for something" and when to use it?

The idiom "have the stomach for something" comes from how our stomach helps us physically digest and handle the food we eat. It refers to whether a person can mentally or emotionally deal with or accept something tough. Just like our stomach processes food. The phrase is commonly used when discussing challenging or unpleasant tasks or experiences, indicating whether someone possesses the necessary emotional or physical strength to face them.

Examples

1. If you have the stomach for it, and don't want to remove a candiru, you might want to let this parasite feed.

2. Nobody has the stomach for the first option, so they break for it.

3. Now if you don't have the stomach for this proof you don't have to remember this proof.

4. I'm not sure people that have the stomach for that show.

Nearby words

have the wind at back

have the world at feet

have to

have two left feet

have way