yellow streak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yellow streak" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is cowardly or lacks courage. An example: "Despite his tough exterior, he had a yellow streak that prevented him from standing up to bullies." Alternative expressions include "cowardly nature" and "lack of bravery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Why not?" "I have a dog and a cat and a wife and a yellow streak".

The New York Times

"I am not sure that a little yellow streak didn't appear".

The New York Times - Books

I have often noticed a yellow streak in the middle of my eyes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Who gave him permission to put a yellow streak in his hair while attending what he describes as pretty much the grimmest Catholic school of the global 1970s?

The New York Times - Books

At our first meeting he was uncomplicated – thrilled with his batting average, with the mounting freebies, with the yellow streak in his hair.

The Guardian - Sport

David's long-absent father was a cartoonist in the 1950s and his garish Technicolor strip, "The Yellow Streak", is interspliced with Clowes's otherwise dramatically noirish panels.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The sky, too, is ablaze in shimmering red with faint yellow streaks.

The New York Times - Arts

Bright yellow streaks at the base of the petals hint at more artful intentions - luring the love of a bee.

The New York Times

In the lithograph, orange and yellow streaks across the gray sky make half the image look almost abstract.

The New York Times - Arts

Little clay blanks rest in a bucket on the table, where a plank is splattered with green and yellow streaks of paint.

The New York Times

Inside, under the cedar-shake covered A-frame roof, stained-glass windows refract sunshine into beams, with red and yellow streaking the log walls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yellow streak" to subtly imply a character's cowardice, rather than stating it directly, for a more nuanced portrayal.

Common error

Avoid using "yellow streak" in contexts where a physical description is intended, as it primarily implies a character flaw of cowardice. Ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yellow streak" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular character trait. It is often used attributively to modify a person or entity, indicating a tendency toward cowardice or a lack of bravery. Ludwig AI analysis and available examples show that it's used to imply a hidden or unexpected fear.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "yellow streak" is a common noun phrase used to describe someone who is cowardly or lacks courage. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "cowardice" or "lack of courage" exist, "yellow streak" offers a more nuanced way to imply a hidden or unexpected fear. Best practice involves using this idiom to subtly portray a character's cowardice for a more nuanced effect, while avoiding confusion by ensuring the context clearly indicates the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cowardice

A direct and concise term for the quality or state of lacking courage.

lack of courage

Directly states the absence of bravery, a more straightforward expression.

cowardly behavior

Focuses on the conduct resulting from a lack of courage, rather than a specific trait.

chicken-heartedness

An informal way to describe someone who is easily frightened or lacks bravery.

timidity

Highlights the quality of being shy and hesitant due to fear or lack of confidence.

spinelessness

Emphasizes a weakness of character and an inability to stand up for oneself or others.

faintheartedness

Emphasizes a lack of conviction or resolve, often associated with a fear of failure.

white feather

A symbol of cowardice, particularly in British English, that indicates a lack of bravery or willingness to fight.

pusillanimity

A formal term for a lack of courage and resolution; implies a timid or weak spirit.

cravenness

Stresses extreme cowardice and a willingness to submit to any threat or danger.

FAQs

How can I use "yellow streak" in a sentence?

You can use "yellow streak" to describe someone who is cowardly or lacks courage. For example, "Despite his tough talk, he showed a /s/yellow+streak when faced with real danger".

What's a less common way to say "yellow streak"?

A less common, more formal alternative to "yellow streak" is "pusillanimity", which also denotes a lack of courage or resolution.

Is it correct to say someone has "a streak of yellow" instead of "yellow streak"?

While "a streak of yellow" could refer to a literal yellow mark, "yellow streak" is the established idiom for cowardice. Using "a streak of yellow" in that context might confuse your reader.

What's the difference between "cowardice" and having a "yellow streak"?

"Cowardice" is a general term for lacking courage, while having a "yellow streak" suggests a specific instance or tendency towards "cowardly behavior". The latter is often used to imply a hidden or surprising lack of bravery.