chicken out

USAGE SUMMARY

"chicken out" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is generally used as an idiom meaning to "avoid doing something because of fear or lack of confidence". For example, "I was planning to audition for the play, but I chickened out at the last minute".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I couldn't chicken out now.

The New York Times

Take the chicken out of the pan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We shouldn't chicken out on it".

Independent

"Don't chicken out," I told myself.

The Guardian

We hope he will not chicken out.

The New Yorker

"Don't chicken out please," Nurmagomedov wrote.

The Guardian - Sport

They're not as likely to chicken out".

The New York Times

I was like a chicken out of an egg".

The New Yorker

Nobody ever said 'hopeless,' though; that's where we'd chicken out.

The New Yorker

When pasta is al dente, don't chicken out.

The New York Times - Food

"Leave the chicken out to stink a bit," he says.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chicken out" when you want to convey a sense of fear or lack of confidence leading someone to avoid a daring or challenging situation. It adds a colorful and easily understood idiom to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "chicken out" in formal or professional writing. While widely understood, it's considered an informal idiom. Opt for more formal alternatives like "recede", "withdraw", or "decline" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chicken out" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. Ludwig examples show it’s used to describe the action of avoiding something due to fear or a lack of confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "chicken out" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of avoiding something due to fear or lack of confidence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is best suited for informal contexts, although it appears frequently in news and media sources. When more formal language is needed, alternatives such as "withdraw" or "recede" should be considered. Remember to use "chicken out" when you want to add a touch of colorful informality to your writing and convey a sense of backing away from a challenging situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get cold feet

An idiom indicating hesitation or anxiety before a significant event or decision.

lose nerve

Highlights the loss of courage or confidence needed to proceed with something.

back down

Implies withdrawing from a claim or position, often in a negotiation or confrontation.

wimp out

Suggests avoiding something due to a lack of courage or perceived weakness.

bail out

Suggests abandoning a difficult or risky situation, often to avoid negative consequences.

cop out

Indicates avoiding responsibility or commitment, often through excuses or justifications.

shrink from

Emphasizes a reluctance or aversion to facing something challenging or unpleasant.

flake out

Indicates failing to follow through on a commitment or plan, often unexpectedly.

bow out

Implies formally withdrawing from an activity or competition.

give way

Suggests yielding or surrendering to pressure or opposition.

FAQs

What does it mean to "chicken out"?

To "chicken out" means to avoid doing something due to fear or lack of confidence. It implies a last-minute decision to back away from a challenge or commitment.

How can I use "chicken out" in a sentence?

You can say, "He was going to ask her out, but he "chickened out" at the last moment". This indicates that he lost his nerve and didn't go through with his plan.

What can I say instead of "chicken out"?

You can use alternatives like "back down", "lose nerve", or "get cold feet", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "chicken out" in formal writing?

No, "chicken out" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use phrases like "withdraw", "recede", or "decline to participate".