English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Faint of heart
Meaning
The idiom "faint of heart" means to be very afraid or worried, often to the point of feeling weak or fainting. It can also refer to someone who is timid or shy. This phrase comes from the fact that when a person is extremely scared or anxious, their body may produce a physical response that makes them feel like they might faint.
Usage
- John was so nervous about the interview that he felt faint of heart.
- When she found out she had failed the exam, Sarah felt faint of heart and broke down in tears.
- The thought of public speaking makes me faint of heart.
- I'm not good at making new friends, so I usually feel faint of heart when I have to meet new people.
- He was so scared of heights that he felt faint of heart every time they went on a road trip.
Roots and History
The idiom "faint of heart" has been used since at least the early 18th century, with the first known use appearing in a collection of medical proverbs in 173- Over time, the phrase has evolved to take on a more figurative meaning and is now commonly used to describe someone who is extremely afraid or anxious about something.
Synonyms in English
- Scared out of one's wits
- Panicked
- Nervous wreck
- Anxious to death
- Heart-stopping fear
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish - "Espantado/a" (scared/frightened)
- French - "Épouvanté" (terrified)
- German - "Sehre" (terror-stricken)
- Italian - "Scorroso" (horrible)
- Portuguese - "Cogido de tudo o mundo" (panicked/frightened)