Bravery & Cowardice: English Vocabulary List

used to say that it is better to live a short but meaningful life, filled with courage and boldness, rather than living a long but unremarkable life that lacks purpose or ambition

"A short brave life is better than a long cowardly one — better to live one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep."

"He quit his boring job to travel the world, believing better to live one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep."

used to imply that confronting challenges with bravery is better than letting fear hold us back and suffer the consequences of inaction, as it may cause emotional suffering similar to death

"Cowards suffer more by fearing death than the brave do by dying — cowards die many times before their deaths."

"The constant anxiety of playing it safe had taken more from him than any real risk would have — cowards die many times before their deaths."

used to emphasize the importance of taking action and being willing to take risks in order to achieve great things in life

"Taking risks is the only way to achieve great things — no guts, no glory."

"She walked into the most difficult pitch of her career — no guts, no glory."

used to imply that bullies use intimidation to make up for their own feelings of weakness or vulnerability

"Bullies are fundamentally afraid — a bully is always a coward."

"His aggression masked a deep insecurity — a bully is always a coward."

used to imply that a courageous person will rely on their inner strength and moral character to face challenges, rather than resorting to violence or intimidation

"True courage needs no weapons — a man of courage never wants weapons."

"She walked into the hostile meeting unarmed and emerged in control — a man of courage never wants weapons."

used to imply the importance of embracing the unknown, taking risks, and pushing beyond the boundaries of what is currently known or accepted in order to achieve great things

"Be brave and go where no one has gone — boldly go where no man has gone before."

"The research team ventured into territory no academic had previously mapped — boldly go where no man has gone before."

used to say that people's sense of right and wrong can make them hesitant or afraid to take action, even if it is necessary or beneficial

"Conscience makes everyone cautious — conscience makes cowards of us all."

"She wanted to speak up at the meeting, but conscience makes cowards of us all, so she stayed silent."

used to suggest that individuals with exceptional or unique abilities may stand out from the crowd and be isolated, while those who lack such qualities tend to seek safety in groups

"Brave people act alone, timid people move in groups — eagles fly alone but sheep flock together."

"He made the decision independently while others waited for consensus — eagles fly alone, but sheep flock together."

used to suggest that one must be bold and take risks to achieve one's goals

"Be brave or you will never get what you want — faint heart never won fair lady."

"He had hesitated too long and lost the opportunity — faint heart never won fair maiden."

used to suggest that progress and growth require taking some degree of risk and making an effort to move beyond one's current situation

"You cannot succeed by playing it safe — he that stays in the valley will never get over the hill."

"Refusing to take any risks had left him exactly where he started — he that stays in the valley will not get over the hill."

used to suggest that a person who lacks courage or is too timid will never be able to win the affection of the person they desire, and that boldness and perseverance are necessary traits for success in romantic pursuits

"Faint heart never won fair lady."

"He knew that faint heart never won fair lady, so he approached her boldly."