What does “Lily-livered” mean?
"Lily-livered" means someone who is easily frightened or lacking courage.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's too lily-livered to confront his boss about the issue.
Example
The lily-livered puppy hid under the bed during the thunderstorm.
Example
Don't be so lily-livered, it's just a harmless spider
Is “Lily-livered” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Lily-livered” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Lily-livered” effectively in context?
You can use "Lily-livered" to describe someone who is easily frightened or lacking courage. It's often used in a playful or teasing manner, but can also be used to express frustration or disappointment with someone's lack of bravery. For example, if a friend is hesitant to try a new activity, you might say, 'Don't be so lily-livered, give it a shot!'
- 1Courage
He's too lily-livered to confront his boss about the issue.
- 2Fear
The lily-livered puppy hid under the bed during the thunderstorm.
- 3Encouragement
Don't be so lily-livered, it's just a harmless spider.
Similar phrases to “Lily-livered”:
Yellow-bellied
Cowardly or lacking courage
Example
He's too yellow-bellied to stand up for himself.
Chicken-hearted
Easily frightened or lacking courage
Example
She's too chicken-hearted to go on the roller coaster.
Lacking courage or resolve
Example
He's too spineless to make a decision on his own.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Lily-livered” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Lily-livered" is unknown.
Is “Lily-livered” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Lily-livered" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other idioms. It may be more commonly used in informal or playful contexts among friends or family.
What tone does “Lily-livered” have?
"Lily-livered" conveys a tone of teasing or mild criticism. It's often used in a lighthearted manner to poke fun at someone's lack of courage.
Can “Lily-livered” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "lily-livered" is more informal and may not be suitable for formal situations. It's commonly used in casual conversations among friends or family.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's too lily-livered to confront his boss.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't be so "lily-livered"!' to imply someone lacks courage.
