have a yellow streak down (one's) back
have a yellow streak down (one's) back
To have a tendency to be cowardly or easily frightened. She likes to strut around like she's the boss of the place, but she has a yellow streak down her back if you ever confront her on an issue. He knew what they were doing was wrong, but he has a yellow streak down his back that kept him from intervening.
See also: back, down, have, streak, yellow
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
have a yellow streak down one’s back
tv. to be cowardly. (Have got can replace have.) wrong. If you have a yellow streak down your back, you don’t take many risks.
See also: back, down, have, streak, yellow
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- a yellow streak
- appear to
- a change of heart
- a tough cookie
- a tough customer/cookie
- a mystery to (one)
- a turn of phrase
- able to do
- able to do it
- a shoulder to cry on