[Idiom] to jump over one's own shadow - is this english?

[Nipos]

Hello,
does the idiom "to jump over one's own shadow" exist in english language? Do english speakers understand this idiom? :?:

Looking forward for your replies!

Thanks,

Nadja

 

[emsr2d2]

Hello,
Does the idiom "to jump over one's own shadow" exist in the English language? Do English speakers understand this idiom? :?:

I'm looking forward [strike]for[/strike] to your replies!

Thanks,

Nadja

Note my corrections above.

That idiom does not exist. However, "to jump at one's own shadow" is used in BrE. It means that someone is easily surprised/startled/frightened.

 

[Nipos]

Note my corrections above.

That idiom does not exist. However, "to jump at one's own shadow" is used in BrE. It means that someone is easily surprised/startled/frightened.

Thanks for your reply! Is there any idiom or could you may help me to find a way to express: to bring oneself's to do something; do something, that you normally would never do (because it's against your character). For example: A usually very proud man, who usually only relies on himself, needs to beg for help.

I want to write a sentence like this: Because of the dangerous circumstances Andy is forced to "................." and beg Ryan for help.(Although he usually never asks for help).

Do you have any idea?

 

[GoesStation]

Your character is forced to swallow his pride and beg.

 

[Eckaslike]

You could also use the idiom to "act out of character", for all sorts of sentences of this kind.

 

[Nipos]

You could also use the idiom to "act out of character", for all sorts of sentences of this kind.

Thanks for your replies! What do you think about this idiom: Andy is forced to do something that go against the grain.
Would it fit in our context as well?

 

[GoesStation]

Thanks for your replies! What do you think about this idiom: Andy is forced to do something that go against the grain.
Would it fit in our context as well?

The idiom you're looking for is swallow his pride,​ as I suggested above.

 

[Nipos]

The idiom you're looking for is swallow his pride,​ as I suggested above.

Indeed, but I'm searching for some alternatives, that are a less specific. I mean, I want to avoid to say i straight away that he needs to swallow his pride, something a bit more implicit... (for example he has to surpass himself...).
Thats why I wanted to try "to do something that goes against the grain"...

Any ideas no that?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Denglish]

That's not really relevant here, but the same expression is used in German too, to say the exact same thing. (Über seinen eigenen Schatten springen). I always love when there are such similarities.

 

[GoesStation]

Indeed, but I'm searching for some alternatives, that are a less specific. I mean, I want to avoid to say i straight away that he needs to swallow his pride, something a bit more implicit... (for example he has to surpass himself...).
Thats why I wanted to try "to do something that goes against the grain"...

Any ideas no that?

The old idiom take the bull by the horns might work. It means to summon up your courage and do something. My father always used to say that when he decided to stop waiting for a break in traffic and pull out ahead of someone who would have to slow down to let him in.

 

[YETYland]

to swallow his pride

Is it the exact synonym of to pocket his pride/to put his pride in his pocket?

Thank you in advance,
YETY

 

[GoesStation]

Is it the exact synonym of to pocket his pride/to put his pride in his pocket?

I've never seen or heard that idiom so I'm afraid I don't know.

 

[Lynxear]

GoesStation is correct with "swallow his pride" but this deals with emotional issues.

If the issue is physically dangerous then "bite the bullet" might be an idiom you can use

John's friend was in danger of drowning. Though he could not swim, he decided to bite the bullet and wade into the water to try to save him.

You could also use it to try to convince someone to do something.

Your teeth look terrible! Bite the bullet and go to a dentist to get them fixed.