have a yellow streak

have a yellow streak

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 running down her spine if you ever confront her on an issue. He knew what they were doing was wrong, but he had a yellow streak that kept him from intervening. Of course Tom didn't come and defend his views at the rally—he has a yellow streak!

See also: have, streak, yellow

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