derring-do
4
9.9
- noun
- /ˈdɛrɪŋˌdu/
- Archaic
:
hazañas
- Ogden was a world in which the frontier survived, in his telling phrase, as "fossilized memory," its mountain men, cowboys, rustlers, and train robbers enshrined in myths of derring-do.
- feats of derring-do
- tales of derring-do
- acts of derring-do
Examples
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Why is it that after a millennium and a half we're still suckers for this: knights in armor, feats of derring-do, noble lords and ladies, bittersweet victories?
Fiction book (1997) -
Many classic adventure novels feature tales of derring-do that inspire young readers to be brave.
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My wife and daughter were both quite impressed with my derring-do.
Blog text (9) -
My point is, someone working outside the system, exhibiting a little derring-do, motivated by strong emotions, might be able to effect a positive outcome.
Fiction book (1995) -
Let's look at a few Black Dispatches and their invaluable contributions and acts of derring-do.
Blog text (34) -
Western Kansans are not overwhelmed with too many people, and they tend to value the ones that are good-hearted, smart, brave, and have some derring-do.
Blog text (13) -
I've been keeping our Russian visitor entertained with tales of Gerty's derring-do.
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The derring-do of the IDF's bold raids and the Mossad's clever covert operations often failed, but Israel rarely paid for them; now, it is different.
Academic text (1998) -
In a bit of misguided Robin Hood derring-do, she slips through the window of a wealthy rake to search for a treasure she knows is there: an invaluable pearl.
Blog text (8) -
Cushing might not have impressed his instructors at the Naval Academy, but he had all the qualities of a fighting and derring-do sailor, a trait the Union Navy would need in the coming years if the Anaconda Plan was to have a chance of strangling the southern economy.
Blog text (26)
Synonyms
3
8.2
Showing bold, daring actions in a showy, adventurous way
Actions that are brave in dangerous or very difficult situations
Very bold acts that risk serious harm
Bold, dangerous actions done without care for safety
Antonyms
How Brave
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Derring-do comes from an older phrase daring-do, where daring (from 'dare') means 'bold' and do means 'action' or 'deed', so it paints the picture of someone doing brave acts. That's why derring-do means brave, adventurous deeds.