The spine is the set of bones that is the body's pillar of support. The human body's muscles use the spine as the foundation for all firm, aggressive motion. Therefore, having a spine has become idiomatic for behaving in a courageous or vigorous manner, the opposite of behaving like a "chicken" (a coward).
To grow a spine is to begin behaving in a courageous or vigorous manner, while having a spine is to continue to behave in such a manner.
Example: "Don't tell me you can't get rid of one little spider! Grow a spine! How old are you?!"
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