say boo to a goose

== English == === Alternative forms === say bo to a goose (dated) === Verb === say boo to a goose (third-person singular simple present says boo to a goose, present participle saying boo to a goose, simple past and past participle said boo to a goose) (chiefly in the negative) To have courage and be assertive. ==== Usage notes ==== This phrase is chiefly used in the negative, and in conditional constructs. For example, she wouldn't (or couldn't) say boo to a goose = she is very timid.