Courage is often caused by fear.
Courage is often caused by fear.
Meaning in plain English
The saying suggests that fear can prompt courage. It presents resolve as a possible response to apprehension rather than its simple absence.
Example
Someone acknowledges apprehension while choosing a feasible action that serves their values.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Often is not a measured frequency here. The supplied gloss says fear spoils courage, which reverses the source’s relation. A qualified reading permits people to act while afraid without requiring them to take risks or making fear responsible for every courageous act.
When to use it
Use it to explain possible resolve alongside fear with the gloss difference explicit.
Keep in mind
Fear neither guarantees courage nor establishes weakness.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 948; PDF page 132
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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