frightened of (one's) (own) shadow
(redirected from frightened of their shadows)frightened of (one's) (own) shadow
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 frightened of his own shadow! You can't live life frightened of your shadow—you need to get out into the world and taste adventure!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.