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faint of heart

British pronunciation/fˈeɪnt ɒv hˈɑːt/
American pronunciation/fˈeɪnt ʌv hˈɑːɹt/
faint of heart
[PHRASE]
1

easily frightened or discouraged

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faint of heart definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "faint of heart" and when to use it?

The phrase "faint of heart" has its origins in the Middle Ages and Renaissance era. It refers to individuals who are easily frightened or lack the courage to face challenging or potentially distressing situations. The word "faint" in this context means weak or lacking in strength, and "heart" symbolizes bravery or fortitude. It is used to describe people who are easily frightened, timid, or lacking in courage when confronted with difficult or intense circumstances. It suggests that such individuals have a weak or fragile disposition that makes them susceptible to fear or discomfort.

Examples
1Investing in Tesla is said to not be for the faint of heart.
2But the surgery he eventually devised was not for the faint of heart.
3Her constant worries and hesitations show that she is faint of heart, unable to take risks.
4In the past, he faced the dangerous journey with determination, proving he was not faint of heart.
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