What does gird your loins mean?

Question

I recently watched the movie, The Devil Wears Prada, and one of the actors says "gird your loins, everyone" as Meryl Streep is walking in to the office. Does anyone know what this means?

Answer 1

If you say that somebody is GIRDING their LOINS or GIRDING UP their LOINS, you mean that they are preparing to do something difficult or dangerous. Example : Both sides in the argument were girding their loins.

Answer 2

It's an Ancient Near East idiom that could be the equivalent of the modern "roll up your sleeves." As ancients in this region typically wore loosely fitting robe-like garments, when preparing to do something very strenuous such a digging a ditch or fight, they would reach back between their legs and pull the back hem of their garment forward, up, and tight tucking the hem into the front of their waist belt. Then their legs would be free to move about without hindrance and also secure the loose clothing which might otherwise get in the way.

Answer 3

The the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind:
"Gird up your loins like a man;
I will question you, and you declare to me."

Answer 4

Regarding "The Devil Wears Prada," it means, "Protect your private parts from the nasty b*tch." Very funny line by Stanley Tucci.

Answer 5

Great Answer!

Answer 6

Literally, it means "put on your underwear."
It's a idiom meaning "prepare for the worst" or "prepare to defend yourself."

Answer 7

It means that you are preparing for war by strapping on your armor

Answer 8

it is actually "guard your loins" which means protect your loins.

loins has two definitions:

a.the parts of the body between the hips and the lower ribs, esp. regarded as the seat of physical strength and generative power.
b. external genital organs. (think athletic cup)