Chicken out
Meaning
To decide not to do something because of fear or a lack of courage.
Origin
The humble chicken, despite its everyday presence, carries a powerful symbolic weight: cowardice. Its natural inclination to flee, squawk, and scatter at the slightest threat solidified its reputation as a timid creature. This association was firmly established by the 17th century, where to be called a 'chicken' was a direct insult to one's bravery. The more active verb phrase, 'chicken out,' emerged in American English during the early 20th century, particularly gaining traction in the 1940s. It vividly describes someone abruptly withdrawing from a challenge, abandoning a plan, or retreating from confrontation, mimicking the bird's perceived lack of courage when faced with perceived danger.
Examples
- He was planning to ask her to the dance, but he chicken out at the last minute.
- Don't chicken out of the bungee jump; you've already paid for it and you'll regret it.