wouldn't say boo to a goose


wouldn't say boo to a goose

Is particularly shy, nervous, or diffident. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. My brother is a very sweet, warm-hearted man who wouldn't say boo to a goose. How can you suspect that he committed this crime?See also: boo, goose, say

wouldn't say boo to a goose

BRITISH, INFORMALIf you say that someone wouldn't say boo to a goose, you mean that they are very quiet, shy, and nervous. `If you remember, at college I wouldn't say boo to a goose.' — `That's right, you were very quiet.' She recalled a shy, overweight girl who wouldn't say boo to a gooseSee also: boo, goose, say

wouldn't say boo to a goose

(of a person) very shy or reticent. 1948 P. G. Wodehouse Uncle Dynamite She looks on you as a…poor, spineless sheep who can't say boo to a goose. See also: boo, goose, say

he, she, etc. wouldn’t say ˌboo to a ˈgoose

(informal) somebody is very shy and afraid of upsetting or annoying people: How could he ever succeed in politics? He wouldn’t say boo to a goose.People shout Boo! when they want to surprise or frighten somebody.See also: boo, goose, say