Exploring the language of fear and hesitation, this post delves into idioms that vividly describe cowardice. These expressions paint a picture of avoidance and fear, offering a colorful way to understand and express the concept of being cowardly.
Idioms That Describe Cowardice
1. Cold Feet
Meaning: To hesitate because of fear.
Example: He got cold feet before the speech.
2. Chicken Out
Meaning: To decide not to do something due to fear.
Example: She chickened out of skydiving.
3. Yellow Belly
Meaning: A derogatory term for a cowardly person.
Example: He’s a yellow belly in debates.
4. Turn Tail
Meaning: To run away from a situation.
Example: They turned tail at the first sign.
5. Scaredy-Cat
Meaning: Someone who is excessively scared.
Example: Don’t be such a scaredy-cat!
6. Faint-Hearted
Meaning: Lacking courage; timid.
Example: The faint-hearted avoid risks.
7. Not Have the Stomach
Meaning: To be too afraid to do something.
Example: He didn’t have the stomach for boxing.
8. Shake in One’s Shoes
Meaning: To tremble with fear.
Example: She was shaking in her shoes.
9. Lose Nerve
Meaning: To lose courage in a critical moment.
Example: He lost nerve during the interview.
10. White Feather
Meaning: A symbol of cowardice.
Example: They showed the white feather openly.
11. Skittish
Meaning: Nervous or fearful.
Example: The skittish cat hid under the bed.
12. With Tail Between Legs
Meaning: To act defeated or humiliated.
Example: He left with his tail between legs.
13. Heart in Boots
Meaning: Feeling very frightened.
Example: My heart was in my boots.
14. Jelly-Legged
Meaning: Having weak legs from fear.
Example: He went jelly-legged at the edge.
15. Get the Wind Up
Meaning: To become anxious or scared.
Example: She got the wind up suddenly.
16. Batten Down the Hatches
Meaning: Prepare for trouble, showing fear.
Example: We battened down the hatches.
17. Afraid of One’s Shadow
Meaning: To be extremely timid.
Example: He’s afraid of his shadow.
18. Shake Like a Leaf
Meaning: Tremble with fear.
Example: She was shaking like a leaf.
19. Have Butterflies
Meaning: To feel nervous, typically before an event.
Example: I always have butterflies onstage.
20. Pull in One’s Horns
Meaning: To retreat from a challenge.
Example: He pulled in his horns quickly.
