B2nouninformalemotionspsychology
US/ɡʌts/
UK/ɡʌts/
courage and determination to do something difficult or frightening
In context
It takes guts to tell your boss that he is wrong.
She had the guts to leave a safe job and start her own company.
I did not have the guts to ask her for help.
Words that go with guts
verb + noun
- have the gutsHe had the guts to say no.
- take gutsIt takes guts to speak in public.
- lack the gutsMany people lack the guts to change careers.
- show gutsThe young goalkeeper showed real guts.
noun + noun
- guts and determinationSuccess needs guts and determination.
noun + preposition
- guts to doShe found the guts to apologize.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He has a lot of gut.Correct: He has a lot of guts.