courage of conviction

Meaning

1. 1phraseidiomformal

   The bravery to do what you believe is right and to act on your opinions, even when others disagree or it is risky.

   Grammar: Usually used with have or show: she has the courage of her convictions.

   Patterns

   • have the courage of your convictions
   • show courage of conviction

   She had the courage of her convictions and resigned in protest.

   It takes courage of conviction to speak against your own team.

   He showed real courage of conviction by refusing to sign the false report.

Common combinations

have the courage of your convictions

If you believe it, have the courage of your convictions.

show courage of conviction

The mayor showed courage of conviction by cutting her own pay.

lack the courage of conviction

Many voters lack the courage of conviction to protest.

act with courage of conviction

He acted with courage of conviction when others stayed silent.

Synonyms and how they differ

integrity

Integrity means being honest and consistent with your principles, while courage of conviction stresses the bravery to act on them.

backbone

Backbone is more informal and means firmness under pressure, while courage of conviction links the firmness to specific beliefs.

resolve

Resolve is determination to do something, whereas courage of conviction implies standing by a belief against opposition.

Opposites

Word family

courage noun

bravery in facing danger or difficulty

courageous adjective

brave

conviction noun

a strong belief

convinced adjective

completely sure

Commonly confused: courage of conviction or conviction?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “courage of conviction”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words