chicken out
Meaning
To lose courage and decide not to do something you had planned because you are afraid or nervous.
Origin
From “chicken” meaning a coward (attested in US English by the 19th–20th centuries). “Chicken out” emerged in the mid-20th century meaning to back out through fear.
Notes
Informal and slightly judgmental; implies cowardice or lack of nerve. Common in speech. Can be self-deprecating, but may sound insulting if aimed at someone in serious contexts.
Examples
-
I was going to ask my boss for a raise, but I chickened out at the last second.
-
Don’t chicken out now—you’ve trained for this race for months.
-
He promised to go bungee jumping, but he chickened out when he saw the height.
-
I almost chickened out of the interview, but my friend talked me into going.
-
They were going to tell the truth, but they chickened out and stayed quiet.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a verb phrase: “chicken out (of + noun/gerund)” or “chicken out” alone. Inflects normally (chickened out, chickening out). Object typically follows with “of.”
Synonyms
- back out
- bail out
- lose your nerve
- wimp out
- get cold feet
Antonyms
- go through with it
- follow through
- man up
- face your fears
- take the plunge