not say boo (to anyone)

not say boo (to anyone)

1. To be particularly shy, diffident, or timid by nature. Primarily heard in US. My brother is a very sweet, warm-hearted man who wouldn't say boo to anyone. How can you suspect him of committing this crime?
2. To not say a word (to anyone); to keep quiet. Primarily heard in US. The neighbor's daughter is just the cutest little thing, but she wouldn't say boo the whole time we were there. I trust you didn't say boo to those coppers about the little side business we've been running here?
See also: boo, not, say
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • not say boo to a fly
  • not say boo to a goose
  • he, she, etc. wouldn't say boo to a goose
  • wouldn't say boo to a goose
  • he, she, etc. wouldn't harm/hurt a fly
  • wouldn't harm a fly
  • can't say boo to a goose
  • not hurt a flea
  • not hurt a fly
  • wouldn't hurt a fly