afraid of one's shadow

afraid of one's shadow  {adj. phr.},  {informal}
Scared of small or imaginary things; very easily frightened; jumpy; nervous.
Mrs. Smith won't stay alone in her house at night; she is afraid of her own shadow.
Johnny cries whenever he must say hello to an adult; he is afraid of his own shadow.
Categories: {adj. phr.} {informal}