you don't have the balls

To "have the balls" is an idiomatic expression meaning to possess courage, audacity, toughness, or nerve, particularly in the face of danger or social pressure. The term is a direct anatomical reference to testicles, stemming from a linguistic tradition that associates male genitalia with virility, strength, and fortitude. While the concept of associating masculinity with bravery is ancient, this specific slang usage became prominent in English during the early-to-mid 20th century.

Usage of the term is contested primarily due to its gendered nature and inherent vulgarity. Critics argue that equating courage with male anatomy reinforces patriarchal stereotypes, implying that strength is an exclusively masculine trait. Consequently, many corporate, academic, and media style guides advise against it in favor of gender-neutral language. Conversely, many speakers view it as a "dead metaphor"—an idiom so ingrained in the vernacular that the anatomical connection is no longer actively processed. In this view, the term is used simply to denote sheer grit or "chutzpah," and is frequently applied to people of any gender without intended exclusion.

Example:
"It took a lot of balls for her to stand up to the CEO during the meeting."

Example:
"He just doesn't have the balls to admit he was wrong."