have the courage of (one's) convictions

have the courage of (one's) convictions

To have the confidence to act or behave in accordance with one's beliefs or ideologies, especially in the face of resistance, criticism, or persecution. The governor was presented with a bribe to help the corporation avoid regulation, but she had the courage of her conviction to refuse such an offer. Plenty of people have tried to dissuade me from pursuing this career, but I've always had the courage of my convictions.See also: conviction, courage, have, of

have the courage of one's convictions

to have enough courage and determination to carry out one's goals. It's fine to have noble goals in life and to believe in great things. If you don't have the courage of your convictions, you'll never reach your goals. Jane was successful because she had the courage of her convictions.See also: conviction, courage, have, of

courage of one's convictions, have the

Behave according to one's beliefs. For example, Carl wouldn't give his best friend any of the test answers; he had the courage of his convictions . This expression is believed to have originated as a translation of the French le courage de son opinion ("the courage of his opinion"), dating from the mid-1800s and at first so used. By the late 1800s it had changed to the present form. See also: courage, have, of

have the courage of your convictions

act on your beliefs despite danger or disapproval. 1998 Times The knives were out for us and we had to have the courage of our convictions. See also: conviction, courage, have, of