He is so shy that he is afraid of his own shadow.
afraid of one's own shadow
idiomExceptionally timid.
The poor dog was clearly mistreated, as he was afraid of his own shadow whenever someone walked by.
Despite his impressive academic credentials, the young man remained so afraid of his own shadow that he rarely spoke during the high-level policy debates.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 06
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 07
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
- 08
albatross round one's neck
Alternative form of albatross around one's neck.