Have a strong stomach
phrase
To be able to handle or withstand physically upsetting or shocking conditions or events.
You must have a strong stomach to be able to work in a hospital's emergency room.

Often appears as...
- have a strong stomach for
- don't have a strong stomach
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be able to consume food without getting sick or suffering from digestive problems.
She can eat anything spicy or uncooked, she has a strong stomach.

Often appears as...
- have a strong stomach for food
- have a strong stomach for spicy
phrase
To be able to handle or withstand physically upsetting or shocking conditions or events.
You must have a strong stomach to be able to work in a hospital's emergency room.

Often appears as...
- have a strong stomach for
- don't have a strong stomach
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be able to consume food without getting sick or suffering from digestive problems.
She can eat anything spicy or uncooked, she has a strong stomach.

Often appears as...
- have a strong stomach for food
- have a strong stomach for spicy
Definition 1 of 2

Figurative Use
Means emotional strength, not literal stomach health.

Watching the surgery was intense; you really have a strong stomach.
Not Complimentary
Implying someone has a strong stomach isn't always praise; context matters.

You have a strong stomach to deal with that corrupt business.
Intensity Indicator
Often used to emphasize the severity or extreme nature of a situation.

You need a strong stomach to watch this horror movie.
Figurative Use
Means emotional strength, not literal stomach health.

Watching the surgery was intense; you really have a strong stomach.
Not Complimentary
Implying someone has a strong stomach isn't always praise; context matters.

You have a strong stomach to deal with that corrupt business.
Intensity Indicator
Often used to emphasize the severity or extreme nature of a situation.

You need a strong stomach to watch this horror movie.
Figurative Use
Means emotional strength, not literal stomach health.

Watching the surgery was intense; you really have a strong stomach.
Not Complimentary
Implying someone has a strong stomach isn't always praise; context matters.

You have a strong stomach to deal with that corrupt business.
Intensity Indicator
Often used to emphasize the severity or extreme nature of a situation.

You need a strong stomach to watch this horror movie.
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