steely-spined

1. Having a rigidly erect posture, often as a result of feeling angry. Todd stood before me, steely-spined and scowling, arms folded across his chest, and I knew the conversation was over.

2. Determined and resolved. You'll never be able to talk Louise out of this—she's as steely-spined as they come.

3. Calm and unflappable under pressure. I asked my brother to come to court with me because he is always steely-spined in stressful situations. Gina needs to be steely-spined to deal with all the rejection that comes with being an actress.

See also:

fold (someone) in (one's) arms
fold somebody in your arms
spring to attention
(as) straight as a ramrod
ramrod straight
sit bolt upright
round-shouldered
be as stiff as a ramrod
uptight
steely-eyed

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