What does “Yellow-bellied” mean?
"Yellow-bellied" means someone who is cowardly or lacking courage.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's too yellow-bellied to confront his problems.
Example
The yellow-bellied thief ran away when he saw the police.
Example
Don't be so yellow-bellied, stand up for yourself
Is “Yellow-bellied” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Yellow-bellied” 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 “Yellow-bellied” effectively in context?
You can use "Yellow-bellied" to describe someone who is cowardly or lacking courage. It's often used in a negative context to criticize or mock someone's lack of bravery. For example, if a friend is hesitant to confront a difficult situation, you might say, 'Don't be so yellow-bellied, stand up for yourself.'
- 1Personal Relationships
He's too yellow-bellied to confront his problems.
- 2Crime
The yellow-bellied thief ran away when he saw the police.
- 3Assertiveness
Don't be so yellow-bellied, stand up for yourself.
Similar phrases to “Yellow-bellied”:
Chicken-hearted
Cowardly or lacking courage
Example
He's too chicken-hearted to stand up for himself.
Lacking courage or determination
Example
She's too spineless to make her own decisions.
Lacking courage or bravery
Example
He's too gutless to take a stand.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Yellow-bellied” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Yellow-bellied" is unknown.
Is “Yellow-bellied” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Yellow-bellied" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to criticize or mock someone's lack of courage or bravery.
What tone does “Yellow-bellied” have?
"Yellow-bellied" conveys a tone of criticism or mockery. It's often used to express disappointment or frustration towards someone who is perceived as cowardly.
Can “Yellow-bellied” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Yellow-bellied" can be used in both informal and formal settings. However, it's more commonly used in informal conversations among friends, family, or peers. In formal situations, it may be considered impolite or disrespectful.
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 yellow-bellied to confront his problems.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't be so "yellow-bellied"!' to criticize someone's lack of courage.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- cowardly
- timid
- fearful
- afraid
- faint-hearted
- lily-livered
- chicken
- yellow
- wimpy
- scaredy-cat
