AIG's current management, Greenberg contends, is too timid to make a big acquisition or strategic move.

FORBES: Is It Vindication or Is It Revenge?

Blair and Brown, characterised as reluctant Europeans too timid to make the case, may be more effective champions of Europe than they know.

BBC: Referendum St

The recent history proves that the extremists on each side are too strong for timid local leaders to make the necessary compromises alone.

ECONOMIST: The United States, Israel and the Arabs

Biologist Francisco de Assis Neo, quoted by the French news agency AFP, said that at this time of year "the birds make their nests and become more timid and, therefore, more difficult to find".

BBC: Brazil hunts for unique lost bird

Belatedly, Mr Blair seems to acknowledge that he should be seen to make a principled stand over the treatment of these men, but he sounds too much like a timid supplicant.

ECONOMIST: Tony Blair needs a good row in Washington