gird up one's loins

Etymology
Likely a Hebraism, often used in the King James Bible (e.g., 2 Kings 4:29). Literally referred to the need to strap a belt around one's waist, i.e. when getting up, in order to avoid the cloak falling off; or otherwise before battle, to unimpede the legs for running.

Verb

 * 1)  To prepare oneself for something demanding.
 * 2) * 2004, "Editorial," nepalnews.com (Nepal), vol. 24, no. 6 (Aug 3-19):
 * King Gyanendra must gird up his loins and prepare himself for all exigencies.
 * 1) * 2004, "Editorial," nepalnews.com (Nepal), vol. 24, no. 6 (Aug 3-19):
 * King Gyanendra must gird up his loins and prepare himself for all exigencies.

Translations

 * Hungarian: felköti a nadrágszíjat, felköti a gatyát,, ,
 * Polish:
 * Russian: перепоя́сать чре́сла
 * Swedish: omgjorda sina länder