gird one's loins

Idioms and Phrases

Also, gird up one's loins . Prepare oneself for action, as in I'm girding up my loins for that crucial interview . This expression comes from the Bible (Proverbs 31:17) and originally alluded to tucking up the traditional long robe into a girdle (that is, a belt) so it will not hamper physical activity. [c. 1600]