Meaning: To display cowardice
Hindi: कायरता दिखाना
Synonyms: act cowardly, show fear, back down
Antonyms: show courage, be brave
Asked in: SSC CGL 2025 T-1 · SSC MTS 2024
show the white feather in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC MTS 2024 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom from the options given below.
To show the white featherAnswer & explanation
Answer: C) To act cowardly
Correct Answer: To act cowardly
🔍 Explanation:
The idiom "to show the white feather" means to show cowardice or act in a cowardly manner. The phrase originates from the old belief that a white feather in a gamecock signified weakness or lack of courage.
To show the white feather – to behave in a cowardly or timid way
🔸 Hindi: कायरता दिखाना, डरपोक जैसा व्यवहार करना
Let’s examine the other options:
To maintain peace – unrelated to cowardice
🔸 Hindi: शांति बनाए रखना
To act bravely – opposite in meaning
🔸 Hindi: बहादुरी से काम करना
To show anger – unrelated
🔸 Hindi: गुस्सा दिखाना
✅ Therefore, the correct meaning of the idiom "to show the white feather" is to act cowardly. - SSC CGL 2025 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of idiom: Show the white feather
Answer & explanation
Answer: A) To act cowardly
The idiom 'Show the white feather' originally comes from cockfighting (a white feather in a gamecock's tail was a sign of poor breeding) and means to act in a cowardly manner / show fear.
It does not mean signalling for help, displaying courage, or admitting defeat gracefully.
Examples
- “He showed the white feather and refused to confront the bully.”
show the white feather – questions
What is the meaning of show the white feather in Hindi?
show the white feather means “कायरता दिखाना” in Hindi. In English: To display cowardice
What are the synonyms of show the white feather?
Synonyms of show the white feather: act cowardly, show fear, back down.
What is the opposite of show the white feather?
Antonyms of show the white feather: show courage, be brave.
Has show the white feather been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – show the white feather has been asked 2 times in SSC exams: SSC CGL 2025 T-1, SSC MTS 2024.