to not feel strong or brave enough to do something unpleasant
The soldiers did not have the stomach for another fight.
Usage notes: sometimes used in the form not have the stomach to do something:
I don't think I've got the stomach to argue with her again about money.
It pays to keep Kleenex around --especially If you don't have the stomach to watch somebody slobber all over this new hockey jersey.
It pays to keep Kleenex around --especially If you don't have the stomach to watch somebody slobber all over this new hockey jersey.