pigeon-hearted

A pigeon-hearted boy hesitates to join the game.

Definition

Adjective: - Timid or cowardly: "pigeon-hearted" describes a person who is excessively timid, fearful, or lacking in courage, likened to the perceived meekness of a pigeon.

Usage Examples

• (He was too timid to stand up to the aggressor.)
• (Her excessive fearfulness stopped her from attempting anything uncertain.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be pigeon-hearted": to have a disposition of extreme timidity.
  • The soldier was accused of being pigeon-hearted when he fled the battle. (He was called cowardly for running away.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pigeon (n): a bird often associated with gentleness or meekness.
  • The pigeon cooed softly on the windowsill. (A gentle bird made a soft sound.)

Synonyms

• Cowardly: lacking courage; easily frightened.
• Timid: showing a lack of confidence or bravery.
• Faint-hearted: lacking courage; easily discouraged.

Related Idioms

• As timid as a mouse: extremely shy or fearful.
  • She was as timid as a mouse during the interview. (She was very nervous and quiet.)
• Lily-livered: cowardly; lacking courage (archaic).
  • The knight called his rival lily-livered for refusing to duel. (He accused him of being a coward.)