Took grace

Question

HiIf somebody takes grace to do something can it mean that he/she shows courage to do something.EG: John took grace to respond by saying: "Maybe you're right".

Avangi · Accepted Answer

In this case, I think it means good etiquette - good manners - as when we say someone is a gracious host. They know how to put their guests at ease - make them comfortable.

The expression whereby a person "takes grace" is unusual in my experience.

I'll admit that "courage" would fit better into the construction. The more common form is, "It took courage / guts to do that."

We often say, "He took heart," which means the same thing.

But we could say, "It took grace to do that!" Such a remark would usually refer to physical grace, as in dancing or skating. "She is very graceful."

But in this case it would refer to social grace - tact, diplomacy, charm.

Newguest · Answer

I understand. Thank you Avangi!

BarbaraPA · Answer

I'm sorry, I just don't find your example natural at all.

John had the grace to respond... that's normal enough, and Avangi describes it.

But I've never heard of someone "taking grace" in the way you use it.

Took grace

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