steel up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To steel oneself (to harden or strengthen).
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
He steeled up before leaving the house.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To make steely.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To gather the mental composure for (something).
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
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Common questions
What does “steel up” mean?
To steel oneself (to harden or strengthen).
Is “steel up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.
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