show the white feather

Idioms  

1. Display cowardice, as in The minute Bob put up his fists, Bill showed the white feather and backed down. This expression comes from cockfighting, where a white feather in a bird's tail is considered a sign of inferior breeding. [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

His expression was one of anxiety, but he did not show the white feather.

From Uncle's dream; And The Permanent Husband by Dostoyevsky, Fyodor

It was for this reason that the Sailor finally decided not to show the white feather.

From The Sailor by Snaith, J. C.

We'll drag it down a little nearer the sea," replied Elizabeth, "and we can take turns to keep watch, if you like; but I'm sure we oughtn't to show the white feather.

From The Girl Crusoes A Story of the South Seas by Strang, Mrs. Herbert

"I hope you don't mean to show the white feather, Andy?"

From The Nameless Island A Story of some Modern Robinson Crusoes by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

Not one went up; even Josh, who had seemed inclined that way, upon ascertaining that Nick declined to show the white feather, allowed his half raised hand to drop again.

From Motor Boat Boys on the St. Lawrence by Arundel, Louis