meaning of chicken out/in

[Ion]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #191 "Phrasal Verbs (C)", question 3

Most of the kids at school thought he was scared and that he would ......... of the race.

(a) chicken out
(b) chicken
(c) chicken in

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #191 "Phrasal Verbs (C)", answer 3

Most of the kids at school thought he was scared and that he would chicken out of the race.

Correct answer: (a) chicken out
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In fact what is the meaning of chicken out/in.

Ion

[Conchita]

To chicken out is to back out of a fight/argument, etc. because you are afraid.

I don't think there's such an expression as 'chicken in'.

[Mister Micawber]

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No, there is not.
.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Alan]

Hi,

That raises an interesting point. What would be the opposite of 'chicken out'?

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Sea Expressions

[Mister Micawber]

.
Thesaurus.com offers hold one's ground, stand firm, persist, proceed, go forward, adopt, cherish, claim, continue, defend, keep, maintain, possess, pursue, retain, stick with, support, take up, hold out, stand up to, or withstand.

We might also consider the subtle differences between chicken out and duck out.
.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Conchita]

'Pluck up (or: screw up) your courage' is a good phrase, too. I also like the French and Spanish equivalent expressions, which are, respectively:

- Take your courage in both hands

- Take the bull by the horns.

[Roman]

[Mister Micawber]

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Hello Roman,

Thesaurus.com has been reorganized, and now offers only a few sample synonyms for free; you have to take out a membership to get the full complement. Since I do not wish to pay for the service, I have switched to BARTLEBY'S VERSION, which however is not so prolific.
.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Roman]

Thanks a million!
I will use this site now...