chicken out

verb

1. informal.
   intr, adverb to fail to do something through fear or lack of conviction

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]

Example Sentences

But he chickens out at the last minute, not realizing their relationship is strained and it is the best shot he’d ever have.

From New York Times

“I hope this data helps people not chicken out — like, just go through the front door. It’s not that hard.”

From Salon

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

From Salon

But what if it had locked my chicken out of her house?

From Literature

And, he added: “Some of them may chicken out. People are people.”

From New York Times