ˈjɛl.oʊ ˈbɛl.id
Colors
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- having a yellow belly or stomach
What does "yellow-bellied" mean?
extremely cowardly or timid
Examples
- Don't be yellow-bellied — just go and talk to her.
- The villain in the old western was described as a yellow-bellied coward.
- He called his opponent yellow-bellied for refusing the debate.
Origin
Possibly from the association of yellow with cowardice, dating back to at least the 19th-century American frontier.
How to use it
Somewhat old-fashioned and informal. Often associated with Western movies or a tough, confrontational tone.
Similar expressions
cowardly
spineless
chicken
gutless
lily-livered
Opposites
brave
courageous
bold
gutsy
Related idioms
- black and white
clearly defined with no ambiguity
- silver lining
a positive aspect of an otherwise bad situation
- grey area
a situation or topic that is unclear or not well-defined
- give the green light
to give permission or approval to proceed
- black sheep
a member of a group who is considered different or disreputable
- golden opportunity
an excellent or ideal chance that may not come again
Use it in a practice answer
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