“Faint of Heart” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 4, 2024 by Liam Daniel

This reference is focused on the idiom “Faint of Heart.” We will explain the meaning, origin, examples of usage, and alternative ways to express the same idea. Idioms like this use figurative language to communicate thoughts or feelings in a creative way. You will learn how “Faint of Heart” is commonly used in conversation, see various instances of its application, and discover other phrases that convey a similar meaning.

“Faint of Heart” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “faint of heart” refers to someone who is easily scared, lacks courage, or is not strong enough to handle difficult, intense, or challenging situations. It’s often used to describe situations that require bravery or toughness, suggesting that they are not suitable for someone who is timid or weak-spirited.
Faint of Heart Pin
Faint of Heart – Created by 7ESL

“Faint of Heart” Meaning

The phrase “faint of heart” refers to someone who is timid, easily frightened, or lacking in courage. It describes individuals who may not be able to handle difficult or challenging situations, often avoiding them out of fear or apprehension.

Examples:

  • “This horror movie is not for the faint of heart.” (suggesting that it may be too scary for some viewers)
  • “Starting a new business requires bravery and determination, so it’s not for the faint of heart.” (indicating that entrepreneurship can be risky and challenging)

Origin of This Idiomatic Expression

This phrase came from the medical field. The term was used to describe patients who had weak hearts and could not handle particularly stressful situations. Due to their heart conditions, the patients were not able to handle any types of stress and were, therefore, described as being faint of heart.

Usage of “Faint of Heart”

  • In a warning about a challenge:

“The hike up the mountain is not for the faint of heart—it’s steep and dangerous.”

  • Describing an intense experience:

“This roller coaster is definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s full of twists and drops!”

  • In reference to a difficult task:

“Starting your own business is tough and not for the faint of heart. It requires dedication and perseverance.”

  • Talking about a graphic scene:

“The new action movie is full of violent scenes, so it’s not for the faint of heart.”

Related Terms to “Faint of Heart”

  • Timid – showing a lack of courage or confidence.
  • Cowardly – lacking bravery; easily frightened.
  • Pushover – someone who is easily influenced or not assertive.
  • Weak-hearted – lacking strength or courage; easily discouraged.
  • Easily frightened – someone who gets scared easily or quickly.
  • Chicken – slang for someone who is afraid or cowardly.
  • Scaredy-cat – a playful term for someone who is easily frightened.
  • Spineless – lacking courage or determination; weak-willed.
  • Gutless – lacking courage or determination; cowardly.
  • Soft-hearted – someone who is easily moved to pity or compassion, sometimes to the point of avoiding difficult situations.

Other Ways to Express the Term

Some of the other ways you can express the same meaning in conversation include stating someone is a coward, chicken, not brave, weak.

“Faint of Heart” synonyms:

  • Faint hearted
  • Wimp
  • Chicken
  • Weak-minded
  • For the faint of heart
  • Scaredy-cats
  • Not brave
  • Weakling
  • Coward
  • Weak

“Faint of Heart” Examples

Examples in Statements

An example using this phrase in a news story on television.

  • “Viewers who are faint of heart should now turn their heads away from the television or change the channel as these pictures are graphic in nature.”

An example of this statement used by pro football player.

  • “This game can get rough sometimes. It is definitely not for the faint of heart.“

Examples in Conversation

An example used in conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: Did you check out the new ride at the County Fair?
  • Friend 2: Yes! The one that launches you 40 feet in the air!
  • Friend 1: I went last night with Lisa! We had a blast, but that ride is definitely not for the faint of heart!

An example used in conversation between a mother and daughter.

  • Daughter: Hey mom, did you watch the most recent episode of 911?
  • Mom: No, why?
  • Daughter: It was amazing, but some of the things they showed are definitely not for the faint of heart.
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