Idioms are special phrases where the words together mean something different from what they say one by one. People use them to make their language more colorful, fun, and expressive when describing different kinds of people and actions. In this guide, you will learn fifty interesting idioms that are related to being a coward or feeling too scared to do something.
In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean being afraid or running away from trouble. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Idioms for Coward
1. Chicken out
Definition: To decide not to do something because you are too afraid.
Used in a Sentence: Leo planned to jump off the high diving board, but he chickened out at the last second. / She wanted to audition for the school play, but she chickened out before her turn.
Similar Expressions: Back out / Lose your nerve
2. Cold feet
Definition: A sudden feeling of doubt or fear before doing something difficult.
Used in a Sentence: Mark got cold feet right before giving his speech in front of the whole school. / Do not get cold feet now that it is your turn to bat in the baseball game.
Similar Expressions: Get nervous / Panic
3. Yellow belly
Definition: A cowardly person who lacks courage in tough situations.
Used in a Sentence: The old stories always described the villain as a yellow belly who ran from a fair fight. / Do not be a yellow belly and hide when it is time to clean up the classroom.
Similar Expressions: Coward / Sissy
4. White feather
Definition: A traditional sign of cowardice or showing a lack of bravery.
Used in a Sentence: He refused to ride the roller coaster and joked that he was ready to carry a white feather. / Showing a white feather when your friends need help is never a good idea.
Similar Expressions: Sign of fear / Badge of cowardice
5. Quaking in your boots
Definition: Shaking with fear because you are very scared.
Used in a Sentence: The little puppy was quaking in its boots during the loud thunderstorm. / I was quaking in my boots while waiting for the teacher to hand back our hard math tests.
Similar Expressions: Trembling with fear / Shaking like a leaf
6. Shake like a leaf
Definition: To tremble all over because you are cold or very scared.
Used in a Sentence: Anna started to shake like a leaf when she walked into the haunted house. / The terrified kitten began to shake like a leaf when the big dog barked.
Similar Expressions: Tremble all over / Quiver with fright
7. Scaredy cat
Definition: A childish term for someone who is easily frightened.
Used in a Sentence: Do not be a scaredy cat just because the movie has a few dark scenes. / My little brother is a scaredy cat who sleeps with the lights on every night.
Similar Expressions: Crybaby / Timid person
8. Run for the hills
Definition: To flee quickly from danger or a scary situation.
Used in a Sentence: When the bees started flying out of the hive, everyone ran for the hills. / Sam saw the messy room and ran for the hills instead of helping.
Similar Expressions: Take to your heels / Flee away
9. Turn tail
Definition: To turn around and run away from a fight or challenge.
Used in a Sentence: The stray cat took one look at the barking dog and turned tail. / Instead of facing the difficult math problem, he turned tail and gave up.
Similar Expressions: Run away / Retreat fast
10. Beat a retreat
Definition: To withdraw or escape quickly from an unpleasant or scary place.
Used in a Sentence: We decided to beat a retreat when the rain started pouring down on our picnic. / The hikers beat a retreat back to the cabin as the bear came closer.
Similar Expressions: Fall back / Back away
11. Have a yellow streak
Definition: To have a cowardly side to your personality.
Used in a Sentence: Everyone knew he had a yellow streak when he refused to stand up for his friend. / Do not let a little yellow streak stop you from trying out for the soccer team.
Similar Expressions: Be timid / Lack backbone
12. Jelly legs
Definition: Weak or trembling legs caused by sudden fear or nervousness.
Used in a Sentence: Walking to the dentist office gave me jelly legs before I even opened the door. / He stepped up to the microphone with jelly legs to read his poem.
Similar Expressions: Weak knees / Shaky legs
13. Heart in your mouth
Definition: A feeling of extreme fear or anxiety in your chest.
Used in a Sentence: My heart was in my mouth as I watched the bicycle roll down the steep hill. / She had her heart in her mouth while waiting for the roller coaster to drop.
Similar Expressions: Heart pounding / Scared stiff
14. Scared stiff
Definition: So frightened that you cannot move or speak.
Used in a Sentence: The loud noise in the dark hallway left me scared stiff for a moment. / He was scared stiff when the principal called his name over the loudspeaker.
Similar Expressions: Petrified with fear / Paralyzed by fright
15. Freeze up
Definition: To become unable to move or act because of sudden panic.
Used in a Sentence: Maya tends to freeze up when people ask her questions in front of a big group. / The computer did not break, but I froze up during the timed spelling test.
Similar Expressions: Lock up / Panic completely
16. Jump out of your skin
Definition: To have a sudden reaction of severe shock or fright.
Used in a Sentence: The loud knock on the front door made me jump out of my skin. / When the jack-o-lantern lit up, the younger kids jumped out of their skins.
Similar Expressions: Jump a mile / Startle badly
17. Jump a mile
Definition: To react with great surprise and fear to a sudden event.
Used in a Sentence: The popping balloon made the baby jump a mile in the air. / I jumped a mile when my friend snuck up behind me and shouted boo.
Similar Expressions: Jump out of skin / Be startled
18. Have your heart in your boots
Definition: To feel very depressed, worried, or deeply scared about something.
Used in a Sentence: With the big science test approaching, he had his heart in his boots all week. / She had her heart in her boots when she realized she lost her house key.
Similar Expressions: Feel down / Be deeply worried
19. Lily-livered
Definition: Lacking courage; very timid and cowardly.
Used in a Sentence: The knight in the funny story was lily-livered and hid behind his shield. / Only a lily-livered person would refuse to help clean up the park.
Similar Expressions: Cowardly / Spineless
20. Spineless
Definition: Having no courage or moral strength to stand up for yourself.
Used in a Sentence: It was spineless of him to blame his little sister for breaking the lamp. / Do not be spineless when someone is being treated unfairly at school.
Similar Expressions: Weak-willed / Lacking backbone
21. Lacking backbone
Definition: Not having the inner strength or bravery to face hard choices.
Used in a Sentence: The manager was accused of lacking backbone when dealing with the rule breakers. / He is lacking backbone if he cannot tell the truth to his parents.
Similar Expressions: Weak / Cowardly
22. Faint of heart
Definition: Lacking the courage required to deal with difficult or scary things.
Used in a Sentence: This spooky roller coaster ride is definitely not recommended for the faint of heart. / Climbing up that steep mountain trail is not for the faint of heart.
Similar Expressions: Timid / Easily scared
23. Run scared
Definition: Acting with great anxiety and fear of losing or failing.
Used in a Sentence: The basketball team started running scared after the rival team scored three quick goals. / He is running scared because he did not study for the history quiz.
Similar Expressions: Panic / Fear failure
24. Take flight
Definition: To run away from danger or a difficult situation in a hurry.
Used in a Sentence: The pigeons took flight the second the toddler ran toward them on the grass. / Do not take flight just because your chores seem a bit difficult today.
Similar Expressions: Run off / Flee the scene
25. High-tail it
Definition: To leave a place very quickly, usually out of fear or urgency.
Used in a Sentence: We saw the dark storm clouds rolling in and high-tailed it back home. / The kids high-tailed it across the yard when the angry goose hissed at them.
Similar Expressions: Hurry away / Bolt fast
26. Bolt the door
Definition: To lock yourself away safely because you are afraid of what is outside.
Used in a Sentence: During the howling windstorm, we bolted the doors and stayed inside. / She felt like bolting the door against all her worries and going to sleep early.
Similar Expressions: Lock up / Hide away
27. Hide your head in the sand
Definition: To pretend a problem or danger does not exist instead of facing it.
Used in a Sentence: Ignoring your homework and hoping it disappears is like hiding your head in the sand. / Do not hide your head in the sand when things get tough at soccer practice.
Similar Expressions: Avoid trouble / Ignore reality
28. Sweep under the rug
Definition: To try to ignore or hide a scary problem instead of fixing it.
Used in a Sentence: You cannot just sweep your bad grades under the rug and hope nobody notices. / Hiding the broken vase is just sweeping the problem under the rug.
Similar Expressions: Cover up / Ignore an issue
29. Play it safe
Definition: To avoid taking any risks because you are afraid of what might happen.
Used in a Sentence: Instead of trying the new water slide, Tim decided to play it safe in the shallow pool. / It is smart to play it safe when crossing a busy street with your eyes open.
Similar Expressions: Be cautious / Avoid risk
30. Shrink away
Definition: To pull back or move away from someone or something out of fear.
Used in a Sentence: The shy kitten shrank away from the loud vacuum cleaner in the corner. / Do not shrink away from a challenge just because it looks hard at first.
Similar Expressions: Pull back / Back off
31. Cower in fear
Definition: To crouch down or bend low in fear of someone or something powerful.
Used in a Sentence: The puppy began to cower in fear when the fireworks went off outside. / The cartoon characters would always cower in fear whenever the monster roared.
Similar Expressions: Crouch down / Tremble in fright
32. Duck for cover
Definition: To hide quickly to protect yourself from flying objects or danger.
Used in a Sentence: When the snowballs started flying across the yard, everyone ducked for cover. / The children ducked for cover beneath their desks during the safety drill.
Similar Expressions: Take cover / Hide quickly
33. Take cover
Definition: To find a safe place to hide when danger approaches.
Used in a Sentence: We heard thunder rumbling and took cover inside the picnic shelter. / The soldiers in the game had to take cover behind a stone wall.
Similar Expressions: Find shelter / Duck down
34. Turn pale
Definition: To lose color in your face because of sudden shock, sickness, or fright.
Used in a Sentence: Jack turned pale when he realized he had left his backpack on the school bus. / She turned pale upon hearing the sudden crash in the kitchen.
Similar Expressions: Go white / Look ghostly
35. Go as white as a sheet
Definition: To have your face turn completely pale from extreme fear or shock.
Used in a Sentence: Liam went as white as a sheet when he nearly slipped on the ice. / My mother went as white as a sheet when she saw the sudden spider on the wall.
Similar Expressions: Turn pale / Look horrified
36. Have cold sweat
Definition: Perspiring heavily due to intense anxiety, panic, or fear.
Used in a Sentence: Standing up to give the presentation gave him a cold sweat. / The thought of getting lost in the big museum filled her with a cold sweat.
Similar Expressions: Break out in sweat / Panic sweats
37. Get cold feet
Definition: To back out of a plan because you suddenly feel too scared.
Used in a Sentence: Lily got cold feet about entering the talent show and stayed in the audience. / Do not get cold feet now that we are ready to climb the ropes course.
Similar Expressions: Lose courage / Back down
38. Lose your nerve
Definition: To stop feeling brave enough to finish what you started.
Used in a Sentence: He wanted to tell the truth, but he lost his nerve and stayed quiet. / She did not lose her nerve even when the teacher asked her the hardest question.
Similar Expressions: Panic / Chickened out
39. Back down
Definition: To give up an argument or fight because you are too scared or intimidated.
Used in a Sentence: The bully tried to act tough, but he backed down when the teacher walked over. / She refused to back down until her brother apologized for taking her toy.
Similar Expressions: Surrender / Yield
40. Cave in
Definition: To give up and agree to something after being pressured or scared.
Used in a Sentence: After hours of begging, the parents caved in and bought the puppy. / Do not cave in just because someone tries to pressure you into doing wrong.
Similar Expressions: Yield / Give up
41. Fold under pressure
Definition: To fail or give up when things get difficult or stressful.
Used in a Sentence: The team tended to fold under pressure during the final minutes of the game. / Try to stay calm and do not fold under pressure during the exam.
Similar Expressions: Crack under pressure / Give way
42. Fall apart
Definition: To lose control of your emotions because you are overwhelmed by fear or stress.
Used in a Sentence: Sarah started to fall apart when she could not find her favorite teddy bear. / It is normal to feel upset, but try not to fall apart over a little mistake.
Similar Expressions: Break down / Lose control
43. Fall back
Definition: To retreat or withdraw from a position of danger or conflict.
Used in a Sentence: The explorers had to fall back when the path up the mountain became blocked. / When the bees came out, we decided to fall back to the porch.
Similar Expressions: Retreat / Withdraw
44. Play possum
Definition: To pretend to be dead or asleep to avoid a dangerous situation.
Used in a Sentence: Some animals play possum when a predator comes near them in the forest. / Instead of doing his chores, he laid on the couch and played possum.
Similar Expressions: Pretend / Act asleep
45. Scramble away
Definition: To move away in a hurried, panicked, and clumsy manner.
Used in a Sentence: The crabs scrambled away across the wet sand as we walked by. / The mouse scrambled away into a small hole when the cat appeared.
Similar Expressions: Scurry off / Rush away
46. Scurry off
Definition: To run away quickly with short, hurried steps out of fear.
Used in a Sentence: The chipmunk scurried off into the bushes with an acorn in its mouth. / The children scurried off to their rooms when they heard their parents footsteps.
Similar Expressions: Scramble away / Hurry off
47. Flee the scene
Definition: To run away rapidly from a place where something bad or scary happened.
Used in a Sentence: The guilty puppy fled the scene after chewing up the couch cushion. / He accidentally broke the window and tried to flee the scene right away.
Similar Expressions: Run away / Escape fast
48. Skedaddle
Definition: A fun, casual way to say run away or leave quickly in a panic.
Used in a Sentence: When the lights went out in the old cabin, we decided to skedaddle. / The kids told each other to skedaddle before the mean dog saw them.
Similar Expressions: Scram / Clear out
49. Scram
Definition: To leave a place quickly, often because someone told you to go away.
Used in a Sentence: The older kids told the little ones to scram so they could play basketball. / He told the annoying raccoon to scram away from the trash cans.
Similar Expressions: Get lost / Beat it
50. Take to your heels
Definition: To start running away as fast as you can.
Used in a Sentence: The thief saw the police officer and took to his heels immediately. / When the thunder started cracking, we took to our heels toward the house.
Similar Expressions: Run fast / Flee
Exercise to Practice
- Leo jumped off the high diving board after he chickened out at the last second.
- Mark got cold feet right before giving his speech in front of the whole school.
- The old stories described the villain as a yellow belly who bravely fought everyone.
- He refused to ride the roller coaster and joked that he was ready to carry a white feather.
- The little puppy was quaking in its boots during the loud thunderstorm.
- Anna started to shake like a leaf when she walked into the warm, sunny kitchen.
- Do not be a scaredy cat just because the movie has a few dark scenes.
- When the bees started flying out of the hive, everyone walked slowly toward them.
- The stray cat took one look at the barking dog and turned tail.
- We decided to beat a retreat when the rain started pouring down on our picnic.
- Everyone knew he had a yellow streak when he refused to stand up for his friend.
- Walking to the dentist office gave him calm legs before he even opened the door.
- My heart was in my mouth as I watched the bicycle roll down the steep hill.
- He was scared stiff when the principal called his name over the loudspeaker.
- Maya tends to stay very calm and chatty when people ask her questions in front of a big group.
Answer Key
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
Conclusion
Learning these idioms helps you understand stories, books, and everyday conversations much better. When people describe feelings of fear or bravery, these colorful phrases make communication more exciting.
Try using a few of these expressions when telling stories to your friends or writing creative tales for school. You will find that expressing fear or caution becomes much more fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common idioms for cowards?
Some common idioms for cowards include chicken out, cold feet, and yellow belly. These fun phrases help describe people who feel too scared to face a challenge.
Why do we use idioms in English?
We use idioms to make our writing and speech more colorful and expressive. Instead of using plain words, idioms paint a mental picture for the listener.
How can I practice learning these phrases?
You can practice by using them in everyday sentences, writing short stories, or playing matching games. Using them with friends makes learning much easier.
Are these expressions okay to use at school?
Yes, these idioms are friendly and safe to use in your English class or with classmates. They are great for creative writing assignments and book reports.
Do all English idioms have literal meanings?
No, idioms usually have a figurative meaning that is different from the individual words. Understanding the whole phrase helps you know what the speaker really means.
