nerve

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [C] any of the long thin threads that carry messages between the brain and parts of the body, enabling you to move, feel pain, etc: the optic nerve * He's off work with a trapped nerve in his neck. * nerve cells * nerve endings * Every nerve in her body was tense. 2 (nerves) [pl.] feelings of worry or anxiety: Even after years as a singer, he still suffers from nerves before a performance. * I need something to calm / steady my nerves. * Everyone's nerves were on edge (= everyone felt tense). * He lives on his nerves (= is always worried). * By the end of the meal her nerves were completely frayed. 3 [U] the courage to do sth difficult or dangerous: It took a lot of nerve to take the company to court. * I was going to have a go at parachuting but lost my nerve at the last minute. * He kept his nerve to win the final set 64. 4 [sing.,U] (informal) a way of behaving that other people think is rude or not appropriate: I don't know how you have the nerve to show your face after what you said! * He's got a nerve asking us for money! * 'Then she demanded to see the manager!' 'What a nerve!' IDIOMS be a bag / bundle of nerves (informal) to be very nervous get on sb's nerves (informal) to annoy sb: That music is starting to get on my nerves. * It really gets on my nerves when people hang up without leaving a message. have nerves of steel to be able to remain calm in a difficult or dangerous situation hit / touch a (raw / sensitive) nerve to mention a subject that makes sb feel angry, upset, embarrassed, etc: You touched a raw nerve when you mentioned his first wife. moreatBRASS, STRAINv., WARn. verb ~ yourself for sth / to do sth (written) to give yourself the courage or strength to do sth: [VNtoinf] He nerved himself to ask her out. [also VN]