🕊️ To Show the White Feather 🏳️
To show the white feather – To behave in a cowardly way. This term alludes to cockfighting, in which a cock with a white tail feather is deemed to be of inferior stock. It was so defined in Francis Grose’s Dictionary (1785) and has been so used ever since. “He had certainly shown the white feather,” wrote Thackeray in Pendennis (1850).
Related and Similar Terms
- Chicken out – To decide not to do something because of fear.
- Yellow-bellied – Extremely cowardly.
- Scaredy-cat – Someone who is easily frightened.
- Throw in the towel – To give up; originally from boxing, not so much cowardice as surrender.
- Gun-shy – Nervous and apprehensive.
Proverbs and Expressions
- “A coward dies a thousand times before his death, but the valiant taste of death but once.” – William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar.
- Bite the bullet – To endure a painful experience with courage.
- Run away to fight another day – Sometimes strategic retreat is the wiser choice.
Common Phrases
- Backbone vs. Jellyfish – Backbone represents courage and resilience, jellyfish represents spinelessness and cowardice.
- Balls of brass – Indicating extraordinary courage (albeit, somewhat crude).
- Take a stand – To face a situation with courage and determination.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear.” – Mark Twain (at least he’s not showing a white feather!)
- “I’ve developed a new philosophy… I only dread one day at a time.” – Charles M. Schulz (possibly sporting a white feather here?).
Recommended Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Book: “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley 🌍 - tackles notions of bravery and cowardice in a dystopian future.
- Song: “Brave” by Sara Bareilles 🎤 - inspires facing fears head-on and speaking from the heart.
- Poetry: “If—” by Rudyard Kipling 📝 - this poem serves as a manual for personal integrity and courage.
- Movie: “The Coward” (1915) 🎥 – A silent film about a young soldier overcoming his cowardice during the Civil War.
{% note %} Note: Showing the white feather isn’t meant to inspire taking risks foolishly. Think of it as an invitation to explore your sometimes latent brave heart! 😊 {% endnote %}
### Which of these expressions suggest cowardice?
- [x] To show the white feather
- [ ] To hold the fort
- [x] Chicken out
- [ ] To stand one's ground
> **Explanation:** "To show the white feather" and "chicken out" are both expressions that indicate cowardice. On the other hand, "to hold the fort" and "to stand one's ground" reflect bravery or resilience.
### Early dictionaries alluded "white feather" to which activity?
- [ ] Sailing
- [ ] Treasure Hunting
- [x] Cockfighting
- [ ] Horse Racing
> **Explanation:** The term "to show the white feather" comes from cockfighting, where a cock with a white tail feather was considered inferior and less spirited.
### True or False: "To show the white feather" means to display bravery.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** It's false. Showing the white feather means to act cowardly, not bravely.
### Which phrase implies someone is very courageous?
- [x] Balls of brass
- [ ] Yellow-bellied
- [ ] Scaredy-cat
- [ ] To show the white feather
> **Explanation:** "Balls of brass" indicates exceptional courage (despite the crudeness), while the others suggest cowardice.
May your pens be mightier than swords, your fears quieter than whispers, and your bravery louder than the sturdiest roar.
Warmest regards,
F.E. Nixbits
