have a yellow belly
have a yellow belly
To tend to act in a cowardly manner. Of course Tom didn't come and defend his views at the rally—he has a yellow belly! He knew what they were doing was wrong, but he had a yellow belly that kept him from intervening. She likes to strut around like she's the boss of the place, but she has a yellow belly running down her spine if you ever confront her on an issue.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
have a yellow belly
and have a yellow streak down one's backFig. to be cowardly. Tex has a yellow streak down his back a mile wide. He's afraid to cross the street!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.