Differences between chicken out and drop out
Chicken out means to decide not to do something because of fear or lack of courage, while drop out means to quit or withdraw from a course, program, or activity.
Meanings and Definitions: chicken out vs drop out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Chicken out
- 1Be too afraid to do something.
I CHICKENED OUT of the bungee jumping when I saw how high it was.
Drop out
- 1Quit a course.
She DROPPED OUT of college and went straight into a good job.
Usage Examples: chicken out, drop out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
chicken out
Example
I don't want to chicken out of the speech competition.
Example
She always chickens out when it's time to speak in public.
drop out
Example
He decided to drop out of the race due to an injury.
Example
She drops out of the club because she is too busy.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Chicken out
lose one's nerve
To become too afraid or nervous to do something.
Example
She lost her nerve before the bungee jump and decided not to do it.
wimp out
To avoid doing something because of fear or lack of courage.
Example
He wimped out of asking his crush to the dance because he was too nervous.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Drop out
To stop doing something, especially a job or activity.
Example
She quit her job to start her own business.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “drop”
Differences in chicken out vs drop out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: chicken out or drop out?
In everyday conversation, chicken out is more common than drop out. This is because chicken out can be used in a wider range of situations, such as deciding not to go on a roller coaster or not speaking up in a meeting. Drop out is more specific to educational or organized activities.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of chicken out and drop out
Chicken out and drop out are both informal phrases that are commonly used in casual conversations. However, drop out may be used in more formal settings like academic or professional contexts.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of chicken out and drop out
The tone of chicken out and drop out can differ based on context. Chicken out often carries a negative connotation of cowardice or weakness, while drop out can have a neutral or even positive connotation of making a decision to pursue other opportunities.
