肝きもが据すわる

Meanings

1

expression, godan verb (-ru)

have guts; be plucky; have nerves of steel

idiomatic expression

Idiomatic expression describing someone who remains calm and courageous under pressure. Often used to praise composure in difficult situations.

彼かれは肝きもが据すわっていて、どんな緊きん急きゅう事じ態たいでも落おち着ついている。
He has nerves of steel and stays calm in any emergency.

あの新しん人じんは肝きもが据すわっているね。初はじめてのプレゼンなのに堂どう々どうとしていた。

That new employee is really plucky. He was so composed during his first presentation.

Written forms

肝きもが据すわる
Standard kanji spelling. 肝 (liver) is used idiomatically for courage.
肝きもが座すわる
irregular kanji usage
Variant using 座る (to sit), considered irregular kanji usage but sometimes seen.

Kanji

肝liver, pluck, nerve
据set, lay a foundation, install
座squat, seat, cushion

Similar words

度ど胸きょうがある
Also means 'to have courage,' but 肝が据わる emphasizes an unshakable, deep-seated composure rather than just bravery.
腹はらが据すわる
Very similar meaning; both use body-part idioms for resolve. 腹が据わる is slightly more common and can imply determination, while 肝が据わる leans toward coolness under fire.

Etymology

The phrase literally means 'the liver is settled.' In traditional Japanese thought, the liver (肝) was considered the seat of courage and spirit. The verb 据わる means 'to be set firmly,' so the idiom paints a picture of one's courage being steady and unshakable.