chicken out

verb

1. informal,  (intr, adverb) to fail to do something through fear or lack of conviction

Idioms and Phrases

Back out from fear, lose one's nerve, as in In the end I chickened out and took the easier route down the mountain. Chicken is a popular synonym for “cowardly,” a usage arising in the 1600s and 1700s but then apparently abandoned until the 20th century. [Slang; c. 1930]

Example Sentences

Talking to the only other couple who managed not to chicken out like we did, I’ll never forget the looks on their faces when they learned we’d left in the midnight hour.

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Prof Wolfers said while Trump "chickens out from the very worst mistakes" - citing his original 'Liberation Day' levies and the threat of 50% tariffs on the EU - he doesn't backflip on everything.

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All it means is that in the near term at least, the way to bet is that Trump will, indeed, chicken out.

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But he chickens out at the last minute, not realizing their relationship is strained and it is the best shot he’d ever have.

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“I hope this data helps people not chicken out — like, just go through the front door. It’s not that hard.”

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