brace (oneself) for (something)

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brace (oneself) for (something)

To physically or mentally prepare oneself for something, typically something that is imminent, in an attempt to limit any adverse impact. I braced myself for that big bump by holding onto the seat in front of me. I had braced myself for rejection, so hearing that I'd gotten the promotion was a very pleasant surprise!
See also: brace, for
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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: brace, for
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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References in periodicals archive ?
TheMet Officesay we are in for a few days of mainly sunny and dry weather but we should brace ourselves for thunder.
Liverpool weather forecast: Brace yourself for thunder; Met Office says heavy and thundery showers are a distinct possibility this weekend
As you say 'we should brace ourselves for a full year of rising unemployment coupled with high inflation'.
'Faltering economy'
This time last year, the country was basking in a heatwave, whereas this week we're being told to brace ourselves for torrential rain.
Aldi's dinosaur paddling pool set to be summer essential and it even includes a shower; Aldi are selling a huge dinosaur paddling pool that should be very popular for summer if the weather's alright
A settlement that would heal divisions in Nato and offer an alternative source of natural gas to Turkey is certainly not in Russia's interests which is why we should brace ourselves for plenty more unhelpful statements from Ms Zakharova and Osadchiy.
Our View: We should brace ourselves for more unhelpful comments from Russia
Following the usual prognostications in the press earlier in the year that we were going to bake in "killer" heat, with the hottest July and August likely, I am now waiting the tabloids to warn us to brace ourselves for the coldest and snowiest winter on record, which I shall take with a large pinch of salt.
Will they ever get forecast right?
ONCE again we are being told to brace ourselves for cuts in police spending and inevitably cuts in police on the beat.
Policing needs dose of the past; Letters
Now all we English can do is brace ourselves for more tax increases to pay for these bribes.
Brace for more taxes; Views of the North
The important question is, should we - the government and masses - brace ourselves for a water crisis now or should we start action now to avert the crisis?
Water scarcity: a threat We must build more dams
AS the campaign for Scottish independence gathers momentum, we must brace ourselves for a period of claim and counter-claim, neither of which can be proved beyond doubt.
YOUR VIEW
SIR - As the campaign for Scottish independence gathers momentum, we must brace ourselves for a period of claim and counter-claim, neither of which can be proved beyond doubt.
Questions posed by independent thought; Views of Wales
And if they do we should brace ourselves for another Gareth Bale scenario, because the Spaniards will not take no for an answer.At least new clauses will be in place in this contract to ensure that Liverpool get good value for him if he does leave.
LUIS DEAL NO REAL PUT-OFF
Ramifications of the political quake might prove more devastating than a naturally-induced one and we need to brace ourselves for confronting the risks, he exclaimed.
Jisr: We're on top of a quakeprone zone
Let's brace ourselves for a snap of Helen pucker-free, wearing a polo neck and reading a book.
GOLDILOCKS & BARE - WE'VE SEEN THAT ONE BEFORE, HELEN
This has allowed us parents to brace ourselves for a rise.
School's out of order with hefty fee hike
As well as countless news stories, the case also led to a controversial TV movie Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy, and in the wake of her recent acquittal, we should probably brace ourselves for more versions of her story.
Amanda Knox from behind the headlines
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