chicken out

British  

verb

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

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chicken out Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

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

From Salon • Nov. 30, 2023

Murdaugh testified that he saw them around the same time he took a chicken out of the mouth of one of their dogs, Bubba, who had been chasing the chicken on their property.

From Washington Post • Feb. 23, 2023

“It’s really important when our country is going to crap, and maybe if it starts lightning right now, I might chicken out and run away,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2022

And now Chelsi Stone is glad she didn’t chicken out.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2022

And before I have a chance to chicken out, I close my door, shut off the light, peel down to my boxers, and climb under the covers.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements