brace (redirected from braces up)

brace someone or something up

to prop up or add support to someone or something. They braced the tree up for the expected windstorm. They braced up the tree again after the storm.

See also: up

brace oneself for something 

1. Lit. to hang onto something or prop oneself against something in preparation for something that might cause one to fall, blow away, wash away, etc. Hold onto the rail. Brace yourself. Here comes another huge wave.

2. Fig. to prepare for the shock or force of something. Brace yourself for a shock. As the boat leaned to the right, I braced myself for whatever might happen next.

See also: oneself

brace up

to take heart; to be brave. Brace up! Things could be worse. I told John to brace up because things would probably get worse before they got better.

See also: up

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belt and braces

using more than one method to make sure that something is safe or sure to happen Our staff have identity cards and number codes to open doors - that's part of our belt and braces approach to security.

See also: and, belt