have a yellow belly

have a yellow belly

To tend to act in a cowardly manner. Of course Tom didn't come and defend his views at the rally—he has a yellow belly!

See also: belly, have, yellow

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

have a yellow belly

 and have a yellow streak down one's back

Fig. to be cowardly. Tex has a yellow streak down his back a mile wide. He's afraid to cross the street!

See also: belly, have, yellow

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.