afraid of one's own shadow
Startled by everything
Extremely timid or easily frightened, startled by even the most harmless things.
The image is of someone so nervous that their own shadow makes them jump: That dog is afraid of his own shadow—a leaf blowing across the yard sends him running.
Often used dismissively to suggest someone's fears are irrational or excessive.
- scared stiffImmobilized by extreme fright
- shynessTendency toward social timidity
- chicken-heartedLacking bravery or nerve
- yellow bellySlang for coward
- freezeBecome solid from cold
jumpy · tremble · shaking like a leaf · fraidy-cat · scaredy cat · dread · startle · nervous wreck · bundle of nerves · cowardice · panic · lily-livered · spooked · phobia · milquetoast · paranoia · faintheartedness · cold feet
afraid of one's own shadowfearless
Lacking any apprehension
brave · bold · courageous · intrepid · dauntless
afraid of one's own shadowconfident
Sure of oneself
self-assured · unflappable · cool as a cucumber · composed · poised
afraid of one's own shadowreckless
Carelessly ignoring danger
foolhardy · daredevil · adventurous · thrill-seeking · devil-may-care
afraid, fearfulness, fearless, fearlessly, fearlessness, ownership, shadow, shadowed, shadowing