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Chicken out

Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.

3 April 2026

Chicken out

We use this expression to warn someone that there will be negative consequences to something. It's often a threat.

Written: Yes

Spoken: Yes

Formal: No

Informal: Yes

Example 1

I can't believe you actually did a bungee jump!

Well after they put the rope round my legs, I couldn't really chicken out, could I?

Well I still think it's very brave of you.

Example 2

Max, what happened in your driving test on Monday?

I didn't do it. I chickened out at the last moment.

Why did you do that after you'd paid for it?

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