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

"He is a brave fellow, and I know he won't show the white feather," said he.

From The Boys of '61 or, Four Years of Fighting, Personal Observations with the Army and Navy by Coffin, Charles Carleton

But come; such a brave little woman as you mustn’t show the white feather at the mere sight of a hospital van.

From Jessica Trent: Her Life on a Ranch by Raymond, Evelyn

It was eight miles from my home, hence this was no place to show the "white feather."

From From Bull Run to Appomattox by Hopkins, Luther W.

It was not in her nature to show the white feather!

From The Little Vanities of Mrs. Whittaker A Novel by Winter, John Strange

There is no chance a fight can be avoided, unless so be you are willing to show the white feather by turning tail.

From The Minute Boys of Boston by Otis, James