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chicken out

verb

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

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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]

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Example Sentences

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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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I've just pulled some sliced chicken out of the fridge, as I set out to make up some sandwiches.

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chicken mushroom chickenpox

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