inner strength

inner strength (usually uncountable, plural inner strengths)

1. (idiomatic) Integrity of character; resoluteness of will; mental resistance to doubt or discouragement.
   • 1873, Anthony Trollope, The Eustace Diamonds, ch. 28:

     In any trouble, such as was this about the necklace, there would come over his face a look of weakness which betrayed the want of real inner strength.

   • 1919, John Galsworthy, Saint's Progress, ch. 1:

     To do as your aunt and uncle in their kindness wish, would, I am sore afraid, end in depriving you of the inner strength and happiness which God only gives to those who do their duty and try courageously to repair their errors.

   • 2008 Aug. 28, Michael Kinsley, "Everybody Knows the Trouble I've Seen," Time:

     First, it says the candidate has the inner strength or the wisdom or whatever it takes to address the unpredictable challenges he or she will face if elected.

• determination, fortitude, resolve

• set of one's jaw

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