# afraid of one's own shadow

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/afraid-of-ones-own-shadow
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Exceptionally timid.

## Examples

- He is so shy that he is afraid of his own shadow.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.