Often repeated as a phrase, it originated from William Shakespeare’s historical play Henry V. Coming in the opening of Act III, Scene 1, we get the titular character delivering a rousing speech to his troops during the hundred year’s war.

It is interesting to watch the context change, from being used as a rallying cry to battle to now often being used in the ironic context; once again steeling yourself for another defeat or useless endeavor. Language is funny like that.