# wouldn't shout if a shark bit him

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/wouldnt-shout-if-a-shark-bit-him
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be frugal or miserly.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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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.