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

"I hope you won't show the white feather by doing anything desperate?"

From The Story of an Untold Love by Ford, Paul Leicester

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.

"We must not show the white feather now."

From Spies of the Kaiser Plotting the Downfall of England by Le Queux, William

The boys threw themselves down on the ground, some of them glad of the chance to recuperate without having to show the white feather.

From Woodcraft or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good by Douglas, Alan

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