no spine left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "no spine left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who lacks courage or resolve, often in a figurative sense. Example: "After the constant criticism, he felt like he had no spine left to stand up for his beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

RSL (no spine left)?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

De Vries wrote to James Thurber, "When Emily had no longer any spine left she supported herself on her sternum".

The New Yorker

When Emily no longer had any spine left she supported herself on her sternum.

The New Yorker

Didn't anybody learn anything from the cheerleading that greased the skids of the Bush 43 Gulf War?  Isn't there any spine left in the face of Dick and his Mini-Me?

Huffington Post

All risk factors were analyzed like age, sex, type of epilepsy, degree of disease control, age of disease onset, duration of disease and therapy, laboratory markers (Ca, PO4, ALP, PTH, Vit D), and DEXA scan results (BMD, T scores in lumbar spine, left femur, left radius).

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery

A significant negative correlation was found between the duration of therapy and BMD and T score of lumbar spine, left radius, and left femur (Fig. 2).

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery

Because there were significant declines in BMD for the lumbar spine, left hip femoral neck, and left hip trochanter (but not in the left leg or the radius/ulna), there is evidence of bone turnover in this study population.

Environmental Health Perspectives

This is like the straw that broke the camel's back, if the camel even had a spine left".

The New York Times

Accessing the buttery meat clinging to the rack of black cod essentially a fish spine, left over after smoked sable has been fileted for Sunday morning bagels required surgical concentration, though no more, perhaps, than does eating a lobster.

The New Yorker

Accessing the buttery meat clinging to the rack of black cod — essentially a fish spine, left over after smoked sable has been fileted for Sunday morning bagels — required surgical concentration, though no more, perhaps, than does eating a lobster.

The New Yorker

The other side is that the trauma to his neck and spine left him with bone spurs that caused chronic pain and forced him to give up an executive career of constant travel.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no spine left" when you want to convey that someone has lost their will to resist or challenge, often after repeated setbacks or pressure.

Common error

Avoid using "no spine left" in literal contexts. It's a figurative expression, so using it to describe a physical condition would be inappropriate and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no spine left" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used figuratively. It describes a state of lacking courage, resolve, or moral strength. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "no spine left" is a figurative expression used to describe a lack of courage, resolve, or moral strength. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not very common, it appears in diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science and Wiki sources. Alternatives include "lacking backbone" or "without resolve". When using this phrase, ensure you are conveying a figurative meaning and not referring to a physical condition. It’s best suited for informal or neutral contexts, rather than formal academic or professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking backbone

Focuses more directly on the lack of a metaphorical "backbone", suggesting weakness.

without resolve

Highlights the absence of determination and firmness in purpose.

lacking courage

Emphasizes the absence of bravery in the face of adversity.

spineless

A more direct and somewhat derogatory term for lacking courage or moral strength.

weak-willed

Indicates a lack of willpower or determination.

easily intimidated

Focuses on susceptibility to being frightened or coerced.

pushover

Suggests someone who is easily influenced or taken advantage of.

lacking conviction

Highlights the absence of strong beliefs or principles.

without moral fiber

Emphasizes a lack of ethical or moral strength.

yielding easily

Focuses on the tendency to give way to pressure or persuasion.

FAQs

How can I use "no spine left" in a sentence?

You can use "no spine left" to describe someone who has lost their courage or resolve, as in "After constant criticism, he felt he had "no spine left" to stand up for his beliefs."

What does it mean to have "no spine left"?

To have "no spine left" means to lack the courage, strength, or resolve to stand up for oneself or one's beliefs. It implies a loss of fortitude.

What can I say instead of "no spine left"?

You can use alternatives like "lacking backbone", "without resolve", or "lacking courage" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "no spine left" a formal or informal expression?

"No spine left" is generally considered an informal expression. It's more suitable for casual conversation or informal writing than for formal academic or professional contexts.