lash oneself to the mast

Etymology 1
From the practice of tying oneself to the mast of a sailing ship in rough weather so as not to be swept overboard.

Verb

 * 1) To continue in a course of action even when facing great difficulties and likely disaster.

Etymology 2
A reference to the scene in Homer's in which Odysseus has his men lash him to the mast so that he will not succumb to the lure of the Sirens.

Verb

 * 1) To resist the temptation to make a bad choice.