derring-do

[ der-ing-doo ]

noun

1. daring deeds; heroic daring.

derring-do

/ ˈdɛrɪŋˈduː /

noun

1. archaic.
   a daring spirit or deed; boldness or bold action

Word History and Origins

Origin of derring-do¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English durring-do literally, “daring to do,” erroneously taken as noun phrase; dare, do ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of derring-do¹

C16: from Middle English durring don daring to do, from durren to dare + don to do

Example Sentences

Civilian leadership in this country needs to shed its adolescent awe of martial derring-do and gain firm control over a very dangerous weapon.

From Salon

If you like your fantasy novels packed with comedy, action and old-fashioned derring-do, “Promise” is the book for you.

From Seattle Times

It was also a dream job for a young man brought up on Soviet TV shows such as The Sword and the Shield, which recounted the derring-do of an undercover Russian spy in Nazi Germany.

From BBC

Remarkably, England's trio of young spinners are matching India's through a hefty dollop of derring-do and some expert marshalling by Stokes.

From BBC

Like a corgi back-flipping over a bathtub of champagne, “Red, White & Royal Blue” starts with a giddy premise and has the derring-do to succeed.

From New York Times

Related Words

• bravado
• valor