afraid

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be afraid of (one's) (own) shadow

To be easily or constantly spooked, nervous, timid, afraid, or fearfully suspicious. I can't say I have much faith in Johnny helping us on this expedition—that boy's afraid of his own shadow! You can't live life being afraid of your shadow—you need to get out into the world and taste adventure!

(I'm) (a)fraid not

A response used to reluctantly decline an invitation or politely answer a question in the negative, indicating regret that the answer is "no." When the phrase is abbreviated to "'fraid not," an apostrophe is sometimes used in place of the missing letter. A: "Will you be able to attend the meeting tomorrow?" B: "I'm afraid not. I'm going to be out of town." A: "Could you loan me a hundred bucks?" B: "'Fraid not. I'm broke."

afraid of (one's) own shadow

Easily scared; jumpy; timid. Everyone was surprised that Janice led the meeting with confidence, as she normally seems afraid of her own shadow. Please don't take my sister to a haunted house on Halloween—she's afraid of her own shadow.

See also: afraid, of, own, shadow

(I'm) (a)fraid so

A response used to politely answer a question in the affirmative when the speaker regrets that this is the case. When the phrase is abbreviated to "'fraid so," an apostrophe is sometimes used in place of the missing letter. A: "Are you really moving all the way across the country?" B: "I'm afraid so." A: "Are you going to be working late again tonight?" B: "'Fraid so."

I'm afraid

I'm sorry to say. Used to politely introduce or soften a statement that may be unpleasant, upsetting, or disappointing. I'm afraid that your application has been rejected due to a failure to provide adequate documentation. I was hoping I'd be there in time to see the performance, but they canceled my flight because of the snow, I'm afraid.

He who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount.

One engaging in a risky or dangerous endeavor may find it easier to continue with it rather than facing the consequences of attempting to quit or abandon it. It has now become obvious that our country has been riding a tiger with our military intervention in this region—he who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount.

afraid of one's own shadow

Fig. easily frightened; always frightened, timid, or suspicious. (An exaggeration.) After Tom was robbed, he was even afraid of his own shadow.

See also: afraid, of, own, shadow

He who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount.

Prov. Sometimes it is more dangerous to stop doing a dangerous thing than it is to continue doing it. Jill: You shouldn't take out another loan. You're already too far in debt. Jane: If I don't take out a loan, I can't make the payments on the loans I already have. You know how it is—she who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount.

See also: afraid, dismount, he, ride, tiger, who

(I'm) afraid not.

and 'Fraid not.

I believe, regrettably, that the answer is no. (The apostrophe is not always shown.) Rachel: Can I expect any help with this problem? Henry: I'm afraid not. Andrew: Will you be there when I get there? Bill: Afraid not.

(I'm) afraid so.

and 'Fraid so.

I believe, regrettably, that the answer is yes. (The apostrophe is not always shown.) Alice: Do you have to go? John: Afraid so. Rachel: Can I expect some difficulty with Mr. Franklin? Bob: I'm afraid so.

afraid of one's own shadow

Very timid and fearful, as in Richard constantly worries about security; he's afraid of his own shadow. This hyperbole has been used in English since the early 1500s, and some writers believe it originated in ancient Greece.

See also: afraid, of, own, shadow

afraid of your own shadow

If someone is afraid of their own shadow, they are very nervous and shy. She's afraid of everything these days — afraid of her own shadow. Note: Adjectives such as scared or frightened can be used instead of afraid. He used to be scared of his own shadow as a little boy.

See also: afraid, of, own, shadow

afraid of (or frightened of) your own shadow

unreasonably timid or nervous.

See also: afraid, of, own, shadow

I’m afraid (that)...

(spoken) used as a polite way of telling somebody something that is unpleasant or disappointing, or something that you are sorry about: I’m afraid I can’t come to your party. ♢ ‘Have you got change for ten pounds?’ ‘I’m afraid not.’ ♢ I’ve got some bad news, I’m afraid. ♢ ‘Is this the best you can do?’ ‘I’m afraid so.’

References in periodicals archive ?

In December 2016, of those whose families had suffered physical violence in the last six months, 63 percent were afraid that it might happen again.

Crime down, but fearful up

Don't miss Season 2 of "Naked and Afraid XL" when it airs Sundays on Discovery Channel at 10 p.

Who Quit 'Naked And Afraid XL' Season 2?

Not being afraid means resisting all that enslaves, degrades and dehumanises another human being and doing so non-violently," he will add.

'Do not be afraid after bomb attacks in Brussels'

We're afraid of people who suddenly require "trigger warnings," after higher education has operated a thousand years without them.

Colleges must stare down the stupid, stick up for the truth

Afraid of Mice - known in early incarnations as Beano, The Press and The Jones - favoured a more raw, minimalist musical approach closer to punk, while their stage style remained highly theatrical.

... and the Mice are doing well, too

We would rather please men than please God; we do not mind offending God by lying, but we are afraid of offending men by telling the truth.

Lying is bad

When it comes to other phobias like moths, negative experiences in young age and even being around other people who are afraid of them might be the reason behind their fears.

Why people fear snakes and spiders revealed

We're afraid of change; afraid to plunge into that new relationship, job or way of life.

Good morning, my Lord God

Why they are afraid varies enormously – from a lack of socialisation, a bad experience that was painful, or just the thought of something that might happen.

BARKING UP WRONG TREE; PETS CORNER RIGHT AT HOME

I become afraid each time a leader speaks about his country's exceptional contribution to civilization, and when he opens history's safe and takes out medals and bones, praising the courage of the warriors, and their dedication to defend the country.

We Are Tired of Heroes

Yes, it's a bit obvious - "I've never been afraid of the highest heights, or afraid of flying, now, I've never been afraid of the wildest fights, not afraid of dying" - but somewhere in the mix, there's a chord change, a slip to minor, or a movement to strings that works.

TIME YOU SAW EXAMPLE GOOD OF DUBSTEP; ULTIMATE ULSTER

not afraid of the echoes of long forgotten footsteps

Doble Trenta

I AM afraid that the idea of giving every resident in Northumberland parking tickets would raise more questions than answers.

Reverse for parking plan; Your shout

Summary: SIDON: Syrian workers in Sidon are not afraid of suffering any harm as many Lebanese fear a new wave of violence might plague the country because of disputes over the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

Syrian nationals anticipate no repeat of 2005 attacks

They are afraid of losing their jobs, afraid of the Mexican drug war, the Central American gangs--afraid of the other.