nerve
Translation
nerve, courage, audacity
Examples
The dentist hit a nerve.
The dentist hit a nerve.
It takes nerve to do that.
It takes nerve to do that.
He had the nerve to ask for more money.
He had the nerve to ask for more money.
My nerves are shot before an exam.
My nerves are shot before an exam.
Grammar Patterns
((...)) a fiber in the body that transmits impulses A damaged nerve can cause a lot of pain.
((to have the nerve to do sth.)) to have the courage or audacity to do sth. She had the nerve to quit her job and start a business.
((what a nerve!)) an expression of disapproval of sb.'s audacity He asked to borrow my car again. What a nerve!
Similar Words
Etymology
From Latin 'nervus' meaning 'sinew, tendon, nerve'.
Memory Tips
Think of the physical 'nerve' in your body that allows you to feel. This extends to the metaphorical 'nerve' (courage) to face something, or the 'nerve' (audacity) to do something shocking.