Idioms

derring-do

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derring-do

Heroic, brave, or daring deeds or spirit, especially when referring to swordplay or other action-adventure scenarios. The sailor, with great derring-do, leapt from the crow's nest of the ship with his sword in his teeth, pouncing on the pirate captain. You'll need a great deal of derring-do to fight through the enemy fortress and reach the treasure chest. Your skill with a sword won't matter if you don't have the derring-do to charge into battle.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

derring do

Heroically brave exploits. “Derring” comes from “daring, and “do” is related to “done.” Geoffrey Chaucer originated the phrase in his poem Troilus and Criseyde; it was picked up by Edmund Spenser and again by Sir Walter Scott in Ivanhoe. If you come across it in contemporary speed or writing, you're more than likely to hear it in the longer phrase “deeds of derring do.”
See also: derring
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price Copyright © 2011 by Steven D. Price
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References in periodicals archive
She delves into the internal anguish and "o payor da morte" (fear of death) that night in and night out the young bride must conceal while she choreographs, with ample gestures and enchanting nuances, those scenarios of irresistible derring-dos and mischievous knavery that, she hopes, might mesmerize her husband into relinquishing his odious decree.
Nelida Pinon's desert voices
North Korean president Kim Jong-il thinks nothing of telling his people improbable tales of his derring-dos, including a debut round of gol f in the capital, Pyongyang, that yielded 11 holes in one and a round of 34-under par.
A HEAP OF DUNGA; BRAZIL 2 NORTH KOREA 1
This time, he is leaving nothing to chance - the curtains will remain drawn at his home in Edinburgh, the telly and radio will be switched off and he'll immerse himself in Jack Ryan's latest derring-dos in Debt of Honour.
Football: HIBEES HAVE THE WRITE STUFF; TENNENT'S SCOTTISH CUP SEMI FINAL CRUNCH: HIBS V HEARTS Reilly jinx fear means he'll read rather than head for Hampden
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