chicken out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Decide not to do something at the last minute because you are afraid
Why “out”? Someone leaves a plan, group, promise, or activity they were part of.
“He chickened out of the bungee jump.”
“Mia chickened out of the speech.”
Test yourself
“He chickened out of the bungee jump.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
back out
Same out pattern: withdrawal
Withdraw from a commitment or agreement
drop out
Same out pattern: withdrawal
Stop attending a school or course before finishing
get out
Same out pattern: withdrawal
Leave a room, car or building; Become known publicly, often by accident; Leave home to meet people or enjoy free time; Manage to escape from a situation; Remove a stain or mark from something; Produce or manage to say words; Publish or release something to the public
log out
Same out pattern: withdrawal
End a computer or online session
opt out
Same out pattern: withdrawal
Choose not to take part in something
pull out
Same out pattern: withdrawal
Withdraw from a commitment
sign out
Same out pattern: withdrawal
End a computer or online session
sit out
Same out pattern: withdrawal
Decide not to take part in an activity
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