ENGLISH
REFERENCE

milk drinker

idiom
Meaning

Someone who lacks experience or courage.


Origin

disputed origin

From Ancient Greek γαλακτοπότης (galaktopótēs, “a milk drinker”), a derogatory term which the Greeks used in reference to the barbarians.

Examples
SIMPLE

Don't be such a milk drinker and join the game.

CONTEXTUAL

The veteran soldiers laughed at the new recruit, calling him a milk drinker because he was afraid to enter the dark forest.

COMPLEX

Although he spoke with great confidence, his hesitation during the crisis revealed him to be a mere milk drinker in the eyes of the seasoned commanders.

Anchors to
Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    cry over spilt milk

    To worry about unfortunate events which have already happened and which cannot be changed.

  2. 02

    dick milk

    Semen.

  3. 03

    milk of human kindness

    Compassion shown to other people.

  4. 04

    milk the clock

    To use as much time as one can in order to gain a benefit.

  5. 05

    satin and silk

    [Cockney slang]milk

  6. 06

    spilt milk

    Something that cannot be undone.

  7. 07

    two-fisted drinker

    Someone who can handle their liquor well

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