wouldn't shout if a shark bit him
To be frugal or miserly.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He is so cheap that he wouldn't shout if a shark bit him.”
“She never tips the waiter because she wouldn't shout if a shark bit her.”
“That man is so stingy he wouldn't shout if a shark bit him.”
“Even when his friends were hungry, he refused to buy a round of drinks; he wouldn't shout if a shark bit him.”
“My neighbor refuses to fix his broken fence because he is so cheap he wouldn't shout if a shark bit him.”
“You should not expect a birthday gift from the boss since everyone knows he wouldn't shout if a shark bit him.”
“Despite his vast wealth, the old man remained notoriously stingy, acting as if he wouldn't shout if a shark bit him whenever the check arrived at dinner.”
The idiom relies on the dual utility of the verb shout, which denotes both the act of vocalising at volume and the social obligation of purchasing a round of drinks. It suggests a level of parsimony so profound that the individual in question would remain silent during a fatal aquatic encounter to avoid the accidental suggestion of a social invitation.
- 01
a little bit of bread and no cheese
Used to represent the song of the yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella).
- 02
bit by a barn mouse
tipsy; slightly drunk
- 03
bits and bobs
A random assortment of things; small remaining pieces and items.
- 04
butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth
The identified person appears to be benign, mild-mannered, or calm (but with an integral suggestion that, to the contrary, they really are untrustworthy, disagreeable, or mean-spirited).
- 05
champ at the bit
To show impatience or frustration when delayed.
- 06
every bit
Exactly, to its full degree
- 07
give someone a shout
To contact or get in touch with someone.
- 08
jump the shark
Of television program or other narrative, to undergo a storyline development which heralds a fundamental and generally disappointing change in direction.
Last updated August 10, 2026