prepared yourself mentally or physically for something difficult or unpleasant that's about to happen.
From Old French 'bracier' meaning to embrace or clasp, derived from Latin 'bracchia' (arms). The meaning evolved from physically holding something tightly to mentally preparing oneself for impact.
When you 'brace for impact,' you're literally using the same arm-clasping motion your ancestors did centuries ago—your body remembers that ancient gesture of protection.
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