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possibly how some skittish dogs are afraid of their own shadow-think its another dog or something to be afraid of

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11y ago
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1w ago

The phrase 'afraid of his own shadow' is an idiom that dates back to the 19th century and is used to describe someone who is very timid or easily frightened. It suggests that the person is so fearful that even their own shadow makes them feel scared or anxious.

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Q: What is the origin of the phrase 'afraid of his own shadow'?
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What is the meaning of the phrase 'afraid of his own shadow'?

It is well known that everyone has a shadow when the lighting is right to produce one, and that a shadow is incapable of affecting anything. Therefore, if one is afraid of his shadow, one is afraid of a thing that cannot cause harm in any way. So, to be afraid of one's shadow means to be extremely timid, afraid of everything, even things not worthy of fear.


What part of speech is shadow?

"Shadow" can be a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to a dark area or shape produced by an object coming between rays of light and a surface. As a verb, it means to follow and observe someone closely and secretly.


How did Alexander the great get his horse Bucephalus?

He saw that the horse was afraid of its own shadow so Alexander turned it towards the sun so it coud not see its own shadow, by doing this he calmed it down and tamed it


What does the phrase jumping at your own shadow mean?

it means you are so scared that eneything could scare you


What is the definition of being afraid of your own shadow?

The fear of shadows is known as sciaphobia or sciophobia. The names appear to be interchangable.


Can a shadow have its own shadow?

No. a shadow cannot have its own shadow, because its not something solid and its not blocking the path of the light.


Why is Ponyboy comparison of Johnny to a puppy a good analogy?

Well, Johnny was beaten up by a couple Socs, and since then he's been afraid of his own shadow. He has great big puppy dog eyes and is afraid of EVERYTHING.


Why is Ponyboy's comparison of Johnny to a puppy a good analogy?

Well, Johnny was beaten up by a couple Socs, and since then he's been afraid of his own shadow. He has great big puppy dog eyes and is afraid of EVERYTHING.


Can fire have its own shadow?

Fire gives off its own light and will not have its own shadow, but the smoke from a fire can create a pretty big shadow.


What does Don't trust your own shadow mean?

The phrase "Don't trust your own shadow" means to be wary of oneself or one's own actions because they may not always be reliable or trustworthy. It suggests being cautious and not fully relying on one's own judgment or instincts.


What type of figurative language is Johnny was scared of his own shadow...?

This is an example of hyperbole, which is an exaggeration or overstatement to emphasize a point. It conveys the extreme fear Johnny experiences in a humorous or dramatic way by suggesting that even his shadow frightens him.


What happens to your shadow if you stand in the lights of a tree's shadow?

A tree's shadow does not have light. Anytime you are in the shadow of another object your body has no shadow of its own.