the.com/muster
To scrape together strength you're not sure you have, then show up anyway.
means To gather or summon something up — strength, courage, troops, or enthusiasm — especially when it takes effort to collect.
from From Old French 'mostrer' (to show), descending from Latin 'monstrare' — the same root that gives us 'demonstrate.' Originally, mustering meant literally showing or displaying troops for inspection, calling soldiers together to be counted and reviewed. Over time the word drifted inward: from assembling an army on a field to assembling courage inside yourself. The military roll call became a private one.
- origin
- from Latin monstrare, to show or demonstrate
- military root
- once meant assembling troops for inspection
- pass muster
- phrase means barely meeting the required standard
- usage shift
- now mostly paired with courage or strength