expression, ichidan verb
settle down; get a steady job; marry and raise a family
Idiomatic expression for establishing a stable, conventional adult life, often implying marriage, steady employment, and family responsibilities.
彼もそろそろ身を固める年頃だ。
He's at the age where he should be settling down soon.
身を固める前に、もう少し
Before settling down, I want to enjoy my freedom a little longer.
expression, ichidan verb
attire oneself; outfit oneself
Literally 'to harden one's body', used for dressing oneself properly or putting on formal attire. Less common than the idiomatic 'settle down' sense.
式のために礼服で身を固める。
I attire myself in formal wear for the ceremony.