English Grammar - Idioms and Phrases

English Grammar
English Grammar - Idioms and Phrases

Choose the correct meaning of idiom: Show the white feather


Options:

  1. To act cowardly
  2. To signal for help
  3. To display courage
  4. To admit defeat gracefully

Right Answer: To act cowardly

The idiom 'show the white feather' originates from cockfighting, where a white feather in a gamecock's tail was considered a sign of poor breeding and cowardice, since purebred fighting cocks did not have white feathers. Over time, the phrase came to mean displaying cowardice or fear in the face of a challenge or danger. It is commonly used in British English, especially in military and wartime contexts, to criticize someone perceived as avoiding duty or difficulty out of fear. The other options describing courage, signaling for help, or graceful defeat do not match this historical and idiomatic meaning. The correct answer is option 1, to act cowardly.

This question is part of English Grammar - Idioms and Phrases, which has 10 practice questions with answers.

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