chicken out

Quote

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Definition

1. Definition - Study the definition.

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fail to do something out of fear

2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.

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We often assign human characteristics to animals. Lions are thought of as brave and noble. Dogs are considered loyal and loving. And people think of cats as curious and aloof.

And let’s not forget chickens. Unfortunately for our feathered friends, the qualities we associate with chickens aren’t very positive. When we call someone a chicken, we mean that he isn’t brave. If you chicken out of something, you don’t go through with it because you are too afraid. You might also hear the phrase like a chicken with its head cut off. We use this expression when someone is acting in a crazy, frenzied manner.

Jessica Biel recently chickened out on a date. Someone paid a lot of money at a charity auction in order to have dinner with her. But at the last minute, Jessica got nervous about going out with someone she had never met before, even if it was for a good cause. She asked her dad to come with her on the date so she wouldn’t have to be alone with the stranger.

Do you think Jessica Biel acted like a chicken? When was the last time you chickened out?

Examples

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“I want to go sky-diving, but I’m afraid I’d chicken out at the last minute.”

“Matt wanted to ask Erika out, but he chickened out as soon as he saw her.”

“You really need to break up with her tonight. I hope you won’t chicken out.”

“Doug promised he’d go bungee jumping with me, but he chickened out on me.”

Winners

1. Winners - See who guessed the slang definition correctly.

	to "chicken out" means to give up doing something because you are afraid. by mari_mariana
	I chickened out means that she gave up by Dani Guimarães
	I think to chicken out means to turn coward, to be afraid of something by cutebaby1
	gess-01 to refrain from doing something because of fear or cowardice gess-02 to renege or withdraw by talent999
	I think it means losing faith in oneself or kind of giving up, not believe in him or her self at the last moment by Temka

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