student asking question

I understand that the word "chicken" refer to a coward. However, why would she mention "spring" with a chicken?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Yeah, "spring chicken" has a different meaning to "chicken" when referring to a coward. A "spring chicken" means a young person. One uses it when saying that someone isn't young anymore. Ex: Heather isn't a spring chicken anymore. She can't do the things she used to. Ex: At 73, Dorris is still a spring chicken! Always out and about. Ex: He's no spring chicken, but sure, he can join the team.

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