Afraid Of Your Own Shadow

Also: Frightened of one’s own shadow

Meaning of Idiom ‘Afraid of Your Own Shadow’

To be afraid of your own shadow (or one’s own shadow) means to be extremely timid, nervous, fearful, and easily frightened. ^{1 2 3}

Sentence Examples

“Vick was always so carefree but since he was mugged he’s been afraid of his own shadow.”

“I don’t know how Maurice can be a security guard. The guy’s afraid of his own shadow!”

“A child can see that this ridiculous monster has got you all afraid of your own shadow.” — The Scarlet Claw (1944)

“I’m sorry, you scared me.” “Well, you’re afraid of your own shadow.” — Besetment (2017)

“I knew a fella once. He was loud, always braggin’. Inside he was afraid of his own shadow.” — Return of the Seven (1966)

“Don’t get hysterical! There are no aliens or monsters, even if your Son believes that!” “My son? He’s your son too.” “Are you sure? That boy is afraid of his own shadow!” — Dead Shadows (2012)

Origin

An exaggeration, this idiom has been used since the early 1500’s, and may originally be of Greek origin. ⁴

It is found in a fragment of a play from the Greek playwright Aristophanes, who worked from 427 to 397 BCE. ⁵

More Idioms Starting with A

• Add Fuel to the Fire
• All Tuckered Out
• Are You Writing a Book?
• Army Brat
• And How

More Afraid Idioms

• Scaredy-Cat
• I’m Afraid (idiom)

More Shadow Idioms

References

1. Ayto, John. Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms. Oxford: Oxford U, 2010.
2. Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
3. Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008.
4.  Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
5. Aristophanes. Aristophanes. Translated by Jeffrey Henderson, Harvard University Press, 2007.