balls
Translation
balls, courage, nerve, testicles
Examples
The children are playing with balls.
The children are playing with balls.
It takes balls to do that.
It takes balls to do that.
Grammar Patterns
((plural noun)) spherical objects used in sports or play. The children are playing with balls.
((uncountable noun, informal)) courage or nerve. It takes balls to do that.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (courage) courage, nerve, guts
Etymology
Plural of 'ball', from Old Norse 'bǫllr' (a ball). The sense of 'courage' is a metaphorical extension.
Memory Tips
Picture juggling several balls to remember the plural form. For the 'courage' meaning, think of a 'ballsy' move in a sport.