Literal translation
to have squash blood
Meaning
to be weak-willed, spineless
Explanation
Said of someone soft, lacking energy or backbone, based on the old idea that vigor comes from the blood. The squash, almost entirely water, gives the reverse image, a thinned, weak blood. In regional French the metaphor grew even more explicit, squash juice in the veins. Contrary to the widespread image of the indolent southerner, Provençal sayings tend to condemn lack of energy rather than celebrate it.