Chicken Hearted Meaning, Examples, Synonyms, and Quiz

The idiom “chicken-hearted” is often used to describe someone who is timid, fearful, or lacking courage in a particular situation. It implies that the person is easily frightened or hesitant when faced with challenges or difficult decisions, similar to how a chicken might be perceived as easily scared.

This expression can be employed in various contexts to highlight someone’s lack of bravery or resilience. Whether it’s in the face of adversity, taking risks, or standing up for themselves, if someone exhibits fearful behaviour, the idiom “chicken-hearted” can be fitting.

Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

Usage with Examples

Here are a few examples of how the idiom “chicken-hearted” can be used:

1. Despite his desire to pursue a career in acting, John felt too chicken-hearted to audition for the lead role in the school play.

2. Sarah’s friends wanted her to try bungee jumping, but she admitted she was too chicken-hearted to take the leap.

3. The team needed a leader who could make bold decisions, but their manager turned out to be quite chicken-hearted when it came to taking risks.

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS

Synonyms and Similar Expressions

Here are some synonyms and related phrases that convey a similar meaning to “chicken-hearted”:

1. Timid as a mouse

2. Scaredy-cat

3. Faint-hearted

4. Nervous Nellie

5. Yellow-bellied

Chicken Hearted Meaning Quiz

Complete the sentence to demonstrate the correct meaning of “chicken-hearted”:

Living up to his reputation as chicken-hearted, Tom ____________ when confronted by the aggressive dog.

A. Fought back bravely and scared the dog away.

B. Quickly ran away from the scene.

C. Calmly approached the dog to pet it.

Ans. B. Quickly ran away from the scene.

This concludes our exploration of the idiom “chicken-hearted” and its usage. Hopefully, you have gained a clear understanding of its meaning and application. For more intriguing language insights and idiomatic expressions, follow Leverage Edu.