show the white feather

English

Etymology

A white feather in the tail of a cock was considered an indication that he was not of the true game breed.

Pronunciation

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Verb

show the white feather (third-person singular simple present shows the white feather, present participle showing the white feather, simple past showed the white feather, past participle shown the white feather or (US also) showed the white feather)

1. To show cowardice.