cower away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cower away" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to shrink back or retreat in fear or distress. Example: The dog cowered away from its owner, who was scolding it for misbehaving.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Pistorius says: He is not one to "cower away.

Independent

Some cower away, while others turn toward the player menacingly.

The Guardian - Tech

Speaking about it was what made the difference, because it meant I didn't have to cower away from it".

The Guardian - Sport

I put the best team on the pitch in the circumstances, I'm not going to cower away from it, I'm big enough and strong enough to say, 'Yes, I would like this job'".

The Guardian - Sport

"There are too many losses at the moment and you see the real men now, the men who are sticking their chest out and ready to fight, and you see the ones who are not ready for the battle and cower away.

BBC

Whatever the world throws at them, they will not cower away.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"When we go down to her she cowers away...

The Washington Post

Distraught, Josie cowers away but soon regains enough courage to confront Meredith at her lavish Los Angeles estate.

The Guardian - Film

The best three chapters in the book are told from the perspective of minor characters: the father of the teenager Isabelle Cooke, strangled with her own bra; Manuel's mother, Bridget; and Watt's sister-in-law, Nettie, cowering away from the killer in an outside toilet.

The Guardian - Books

If the cat puts her ears back, cowers away from your hand, or just walks away, stop petting.

WikiHow

Don't hand them that power by crying in the presence, cowering away, or turning down.. Ask them for an apology.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cower away" to vividly describe a reaction of fear and submission, making sure the context clearly indicates what is causing the fear. This phrase is effective in creating a strong mental image of someone or something recoiling in response to a threat.

Common error

Avoid using "cower away" in situations that only require a description of mild discomfort or hesitation. The phrase implies a significant level of fear and distress; using it inappropriately can exaggerate the situation and weaken your writing's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cower away" functions as a phrasal verb that describes an action of retreating or shrinking back due to fear. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show its effective use in depicting reactions to intimidating stimuli or situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cower away" is a grammatically sound and valid expression used to describe the act of shrinking back or retreating in fear. Ludwig AI validates this. While not overly common, it is found in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. Its usage is strongest when depicting intense fear or submission, and caution should be exercised to avoid overstating mild discomfort. Alternatives such as "recoil", "shrink back", or "hide" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Ensure your writing benefits from the potent imagery "cower away" provides by applying it judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cower

Removes the 'away' and refers to shrinking and trembling in fear.

shrink back

Highlights the action of physically becoming smaller in response to fear or intimidation.

draw back

Similar to 'shrink back' but can also imply hesitation or reluctance.

flinch

Describes a sudden, involuntary movement in response to pain or fear.

recoil

Emphasizes a sudden movement backwards in fear or disgust; less about hiding than reacting.

duck away

Emphasizes quickly lowering oneself to avoid being hit or seen.

retreat

Implies a strategic withdrawal from a dangerous or unpleasant situation.

back down

Indicates yielding or giving way in a confrontation or challenge.

hide

Focuses on seeking refuge to avoid being seen or found.

flee

Suggests a rapid escape from danger or something frightening.

FAQs

How can I use "cower away" in a sentence?

You can use "cower away" to describe someone or something shrinking back in fear. For example, "The dog cowered away from the loud noise."

What does "cower away" mean?

"Cower away" means to shrink back or recoil in fear or distress, typically indicating a submissive or frightened reaction to a perceived threat.

What can I say instead of "cower away"?

Alternatives to "cower away" include "recoil", "shrink back", or simply "cower", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "cower away"?

It might be incorrect if the context doesn't involve a genuine sense of fear or intimidation. Using it to describe mild discomfort would be an overstatement.