gird up one's loins

== English == === Alternative forms === gird one's loins, girdle one's loins === Etymology === Likely a Hebraism, often used in the King James Bible (e.g., 2 Kings 4:29). Literally referred to the need to strap a belt around one's waist, i.e. when getting up, in order to avoid the cloak falling off; or otherwise before battle, to free the legs for running. === Verb === gird up one's loins (third-person singular simple present girds up one's loins, present participle girding up one's loins, simple past and past participle girded up one's loins or (archaic) girt up one's loins) (idiomatic, intransitive) To prepare oneself for something demanding. 2004, "Editorial," nepalnews.com (Nepal), vol. 24, no. 6 (Aug 3-19): King Gyanendra must gird up his loins and prepare himself for all exigencies. Synonyms: brace oneself, eat one's Wheaties, roll up one's sleeves, shape up, steel oneself, suck it up ==== Translations ==== === See also === batten down the hatches tighten one's belt