Differences between chicken out and give out
Chicken out means to decide not to do something because of fear or lack of courage, while give out means to distribute something or to stop working due to exhaustion or failure.
Meanings and Definitions: chicken out vs give 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.
Give out
- 1Distribute.
Somebody was GIVING leaflets OUT in front of the underground station.
- 2Stop working, through age or overuse.
I'd been having trouble with my laptop and it finally GAVE OUT at the weekend.
- 3Have no more of a supply.
The water GAVE OUT after a week in the desert.
- 4Make public.
They GAVE the names of the winners OUT last night.
- 5Emit.
The factory GIVES OUT a lot of fumes.
- 6End or finish somewhere.
The path GIVES OUT halfway around the lake.
- 7Make a sound or noise.
She GAVE OUT a moan.
- 8Read the wordings of a hymn or psalm aloud for congregational singing.
He GAVE OUT the psalm.
Usage Examples: chicken out, give 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.
give out
Example
The teacher will give out the test papers at the start of the class.
Example
She gives out free samples at the mall.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Chicken out
lose one's nerve
To become too afraid or anxious to do something that was previously planned or considered.
Example
She lost her nerve before the bungee jump and decided to watch from the ground instead.
wimp out
To avoid or abandon a task or responsibility due to fear or weakness.
Example
He wimped out of the camping trip because he couldn't handle being away from his phone for a weekend.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Give out
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “give”
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Differences in chicken out vs give out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: chicken out or give out?
In daily conversation, people use give out more often than chicken out. This is because give out is used for more daily tasks and routines such as giving out candy on Halloween or giving out assignments in class. Chicken out is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about someone who didn't have the courage to do something. So, while both phrases are used, give out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of chicken out and give out
Chicken out and give out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of chicken out and give out
The tone of chicken out and give out can differ based on context. Chicken out often carries a negative or disappointed tone when related to someone not having the courage to do something, while give out typically has a practical and neutral tone, especially when referring to distributing items or equipment.
