steel (redirected from steels)

*true as steel

very loyal and dependable. (*Also: as ~.) Through all my troubles, my husband has been as true as steel. Pedro was a staunch friend, true as steel.

See also: true

have a mind as sharp as a steel trap

Fig. to be very intelligent. She's a smart kid. Has a mind as sharp as a steel trap. They say the professor has a mind as sharp as a steel trap, but then why can't he figure out which bus to take in the morning?

See also: have, mind, sharp, trap

nerves of steel

Fig. very steady nerves; great patience and courage. I was scared to death, but Fred, who has nerves of steel, faced the thugs bravely.

See also: nerve

steel someone against someone or something

to fortify someone against someone or something; to prepare someone to endure someone or something. I tried to steel Liz against Carl, who was bringing her some very bad news. We steeled her against the bad news.

See also: against

steel oneself for someone or something

to prepare oneself for someone or something difficult or unpleasant; to get ready to face someone or something. Aunt Helen is coming for a visit. We should steel ourselves for her. I think something is going wrong. We had better steel ourselves for a shock.

See also: oneself

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have a mind like a steel trap

to be able to think very quickly, clearly and intelligently She'll be a brilliant lawyer - she has a mind like a steel trap.

See also: have, like, mind, trap

nerves of steel

if someone has nerves of steel, they are very brave You'd have to have nerves of steel to play in front of a crowd this size.

See live on nerves

See also: nerve