Differences between chicken out and wait out
Chicken out means to decide not to do something because of fear or lack of courage, whereas wait out means to remain in a place or situation until it ends or improves.
Meanings and Definitions: chicken out vs wait 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.
Wait out
- 1Wait till something has finished, usually something unpleasant.
We'll have to WAIT OUT this uncertainty.
Usage Examples: chicken out, wait 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.
wait out
Example
We will wait out the storm in the basement.
Example
She waits out the traffic jam by listening to music.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Chicken out
lose one's nerve
To become too scared or anxious to do something that was planned or expected.
Example
She lost her nerve before the bungee jump and decided not to go through with it.
wimp out
To avoid doing something because of fear or lack of courage.
Example
He wimped out of the haunted house tour and waited outside for his friends.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wait out
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
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Phrasal Verbs with “wait”
Differences in chicken out vs wait out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: chicken out or wait out?
In daily conversation, people use chicken out more often than wait out. This is because chicken out is used for more relatable situations such as backing out of a dare or avoiding a difficult conversation. Wait out is less common and usually used in specific contexts such as waiting for a storm to pass or waiting for a difficult situation to resolve itself.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of chicken out and wait out
Chicken out and wait 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 wait out
The tone of chicken out and wait out can differ based on context. Chicken out often carries a negative or disappointed tone when related to someone's decision not to do something, while wait out typically has a patient or hopeful tone, especially when referring to waiting for a situation to improve.
