wouldn't say boo to a goose

wouldn't say boo to a goose

Is particularly shy, nervous, or diffident. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. My brother is a very sweet, warm-hearted man who wouldn't say boo to a goose. How can you suspect that he committed this crime?
See also: boo, goose, say
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

wouldn't say boo to a goose

BRITISH, INFORMAL
If you say that someone wouldn't say boo to a goose, you mean that they are very quiet, shy, and nervous. `If you remember, at college I wouldn't say boo to a goose.' — `That's right, you were very quiet.' She recalled a shy, overweight girl who wouldn't say boo to a goose
See also: boo, goose, say
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

wouldn't say boo to a goose

(of a person) very shy or reticent.
1948 P. G. Wodehouse Uncle Dynamite She looks on you as a…poor, spineless sheep who can't say boo to a goose.
See also: boo, goose, say
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

he, she, etc. wouldn’t say ˌboo to a ˈgoose

(informal) somebody is very shy and afraid of upsetting or annoying people: How could he ever succeed in politics? He wouldn’t say boo to a goose.
People shout Boo! when they want to surprise or frighten somebody.
See also: boo, goose, say
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • he, she, etc. wouldn't say boo to a goose
  • not say boo to a goose
  • not say boo to a fly
  • can't say boo to a goose
  • not say boo (to anyone)
  • wouldn't harm a fly
  • he, she, etc. wouldn't harm/hurt a fly
  • not hurt a flea
  • not hurt a fly
  • wouldn't hurt a fly
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'We sent a girl from our company on the course who was really quite shy and wouldn't say boo to a goose.
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The friend said: "John wouldn't say boo to a goose. He knew there was nothing he could do to get rid of these people."
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